“I feel like I belong here”: Yuliia Starodubtseva embraces big stage debut in Charleston

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:

Q. Congrats on getting your first final. You seem very comfortable in this environment, comfortable out on the court like you’ve been here all along. Is this something you’ve envisioned for a long time?

YULIIA STARODUBTSEVA: It’s funny thing you say that. We’ve been talking about it for a year, how I thrive on big stages. I may not perform on small stages sometimes, which I’m trying to fix. Hopefully I won’t need to play on so many small stages!

I feel like I belong here and I feel comfortable with a big crowd, feeling the noise. I feel it kind of inspires me and gives me more motivation.

Starodubtseva joked that she had been told to watch more match footage of Pegula, and the Ukrainian will now have a chance to watch her up close in Sunday’s final. Already projected to crack the Top 60 as a result of this week, she could break into the Top 50 should she win the title.