Ukrainian player Yuliia Starodubtseva defeated Kazakhstan's No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina in the second round of the 2026 French Open [1], [2].

The victory represents the biggest win of Starodubtseva's career and eliminates the tournament's highest-seeded player to date [3], [4].

The match took place on Wednesday at Roland Garros in Paris, France [1], [3]. Starodubtseva advanced to the next round after securing the win in a third-set tiebreak [5].

As the No. 2 seed [1], Rybakina entered the match as a heavy favorite to advance. The early exit of such a high-ranking player creates a significant opening in the draw, shifting the competitive landscape for the remaining contenders in the women's singles bracket [3].

Starodubtseva's performance marks a breakthrough moment for the Ukrainian athlete on the clay courts of Paris. By overcoming one of the world's top players, she has established herself as a dangerous underdog in the 2026 tournament [4].

The second round of the French Open often sees early volatility, but the removal of the second seed is a particularly stark result [2]. The match concludes with Starodubtseva moving forward and Rybakina exiting the competition earlier than expected [2].

“The win marked the biggest victory of Starodubtseva’s career.”

The elimination of the No. 2 seed in the second round disrupts the projected path to the finals at Roland Garros. This upset not only boosts the profile of Yuliia Starodubtseva but also removes a primary title contender, potentially easing the path for other top seeds and increasing the likelihood of an unexpected finalist in the 2026 French Open.