First WTA 250 Victory for Yelyzaveta Kotlar
Ukrainian tennis player Yelyzaveta Kotlar, aged 19, has secured her first-ever win in the main draw of a WTA 250 tournament, currently underway in Rabat. In the round of 32, Kotlar defeated Britain's Francesca Jones, who is ranked 105th in the world. The match lasted 2 hours and 22 minutes, with Kotlar prevailing after three sets: 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.
After dropping the opening set 2-6, Kotlar bounced back to take the second set 6-3. The third set initially looked bleak for the Ukrainian, who fell behind 0-4. However, she rallied to win six consecutive games, clinching the set and the match.
Upcoming Opponents and Fellow Ukrainians
Currently ranked 528th globally, Kotlar entered the main draw via a wildcard from the tournament organizers. This victory marks only her third career match in a WTA main draw. Her next opponent will be Croatia's Petra Marčinko, the tournament's sixth seed. That match is scheduled for May 20.
Kotlar becomes the second Ukrainian to advance in the Morocco tournament, following Anhelina Kalinina, who defeated Simona Waltert the previous day. Additionally, on May 19, Yuliya Starodubtseva will begin her campaign against Angela Fita Boluda. Unfortunately, Veronika Podrez has already exited the 2026 French Open qualifiers, losing in the first round to the Czech Republic's Dominika Šalková.
This win represents a significant milestone in Kotlar's career, showcasing the potential of the young player on the international stage.
Her success also highlights the ongoing strength of Ukrainian tennis, which continues to produce results despite challenges. The Rabat competition offers Ukrainian athletes a platform to shine and improve their world rankings. Kotlar's upcoming matches could further elevate the profile of Ukrainian tennis globally.
While Yelyzaveta Kotlar celebrates her impressive victory, the challenges faced by fellow Ukrainian players continue. Veronika Podrez recently experienced a setback in the qualifying rounds of Roland Garros, highlighting the competitive nature of the sport. To read more about Podrez's journey and the hurdles she encountered, check out this article on her performance in the French Open qualifiers here.