CHARLESTON—On Friday, Yuliia Starodubtseva had her first post-match press conference. Less than 24 hours later, she’s into her first WTA final at the Credit One Charleston Open, stunning former champion Madison Keys, 6-1, 6-4.
The Old Dominion University alum has had to break onto the tennis scene the hard way, playing UTR tournaments and working part-time at a country club in Westchester, New York. Meant to play qualifying in Charleston, the world No. 89 was a late addition to the main draw but made the most of the opportunity, dropping just one set to book a championship clash with defending champion Jessica Pegula.
Displaying few nerves to clinch the semifinal victory over Keys, Starodubtseva confessed to feeling quite comfortable in this ostensibly unfamiliar environment:
