World number two Elena Rybakina crashed out in the second round of the French Open, falling 6-4 1-6 7-6(2) to qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva on Court Suzanne Lenglen. The Kazakhstani star raced to a 5-1 lead but saw her advantage evaporate as the Ukrainian mounted a stunning comeback, winning nine of the next ten games to force a decider.

Rybakina's struggles continued despite clawing back from a double break down to reach the tie-break. A double fault on the opening point of the final set breaker set the tone for Starodubtseva's aggressive play, which overwhelmed the two-time major champion. The loss ends Rybakina's campaign early and opens up the draw significantly, with one of the tournament favorites exiting before the third round.

For Starodubtseva, this represents the biggest victory of her career and marks her second consecutive year causing an upset at Roland Garros. She previously defeated 2024 runner-up Jasmine Paolini in last year's second round. The 24-year-old will now face either American 26th seed Hailey Baptiste or China's Wang Xiyu for a place in the fourth round.

This result reshapes the women's draw considerably, with Rybakina's exit removing a significant obstacle for other contenders. Starodubtseva's fearless tennis and mental resilience against elite opposition suggests she could extend this run further.