Yulia Starodubtseva explained her first-round defeat at Wimbledon 2026
This was reported by Suspilne Sport.
In the first round of Wimbledon 2026, Starodubtseva lost to Anna Blinkova in three sets — 7–6 (7–3), 4–6, 1–6.
After the match, the Ukrainian tennis player said in an exclusive interview with Suspilne Sport that the third set proved decisive, as she was unable to play her best tennis in it.
“The most important moment was the third set. I didn’t manage to play my best tennis in it. I think it was in the third set that I didn’t play to my best standard, even though that was precisely when I needed to give my all,” said Starodubtseva.
According to the player, the second set could also have been a turning point.
“At 3–2, I was leading 40–0 on her serve, but I couldn’t break her. That was a very important moment. After that, I lost my own serve. That was when I could have turned the match around, but I didn’t manage it. And in the third set, something went wrong. I think I could have beaten her, but it’s really my fault that I didn’t manage to,” the tennis player noted.
How Starodubtseva assessed her grass-court season
The Ukrainian admitted that this year’s grass-court season had not gone well for her.
“I think grass suits me, but something didn’t work out this year. I won just one match out of four. The matches weren’t bad – I lost to strong opponents – but overall, the grass-court season was a disappointment. Well, we’ll move on,” she said.
Starodubtseva admitted that Wimbledon is her favourite tournament, which is why she took her first-round exit particularly hard.
“I really love Wimbledon. It’s my favourite tournament. It’s so lovely, beautiful, so regal. I really love the atmosphere there. That’s why it’s particularly bitter that I’ve lost. But I’ll still enjoy the tournament and watch the matches,” said the Ukrainian tennis player.
Despite her defeat in the singles, Yulia Starodubtseva will continue her campaign at Wimbledon 2026 in the doubles tournament.
On 2 July, the Ukrainian, alongside American Peyton Sterns, will face the duo of Isabelle Havervlag from the Netherlands and Panna Udvardi from Hungary.
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