PARIS: World number two Elena Rybakina suffered one of the biggest upsets of this year’s French Open after losing to Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in the second round.
Rybakina appeared in control after taking the opening set, but the world number 55 produced a remarkable comeback to claim a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10-4) victory in Paris.
The reigning Australian Open champion struggled badly with consistency throughout the match, committing 71 unforced errors while landing only 53 percent of her first serves.
Known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, Rybakina looked far below her usual standards as Starodubtseva raised her level in the decisive moments to secure the biggest win of her career.
The defeat marks the first time since 2020 that Kazakhstan’s Rybakina has failed to reach the third round at Roland Garros. It is also her earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2024 Australian Open.
