Jessica Pegula vs Yuliia Starodubtseva Prediction & Picks - WTA Charleston Open

Prediction published on 4/5/26, 9:26 AM  by Lou Aguila | Modified on 4/7/26 at 11:03 AM in Tennis Picks

Underdog Yulia Startodubtseva will try to put up a challenge to defending champ Jessica Pegula in the championship match of the 2026 Charleston Open.

Starodubtseva, who has converted 65 percent of breakpoint chances in this tournament, will have a significant +5.5 game head start in the spread line.

Momentum: Jessica Pegula gets a chance to defend her title in Charleston after surviving four consecutive three-set matches in this green clay court tournament. Pegula grinded out a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 win over Iva Jovic to reach the Charleston Open final for the second consecutive year.

Meanwhile, Yuliia Starodubtseva has just had the best week of her career after racking up five straight wins, including a 6-1, 6-4 win over Madison Keys to reach the championship match of this WTA 500 event.

Matchup: This will be the first time Pegula and Starodubtseva will play each other on the WTA Tour. Pegula owns a 62 percent win rate on clay and 6-0 against players outside the WTA top-50 in 2026. Starodubtseva carries a 58 percent win rate on clay but is 0-5 against the WTA top-10.

Hot on the Board: Pegula will walk into the match as a heavy favorite at -500. The American will need to win by six games over the Ukrainian to cover the spread at -5.5 games (-110). Meanwhile, a huge windfall awaits bettors who take a gamble on Starodubtseva at +320 on the moneyline.