Yuliia Starodubtseva’s remarkable run to the final of the Charleston Open has been backed by a quietly significant coaching change.
The Ukrainian qualifier has recently brought Eric Hechtman, a coach with experience working alongside Venus Williams and Peyton Stearns, into her team on a trial basis ahead of the tournament.
Starodubtseva, ranked 89th in the world, arrived in Charleston having entered as a qualifier before a withdrawal moved her into the main draw. It comes after Williams showed her true colors with advice to a “heartbroken” tennis star.
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She has since reeled off five consecutive victories, including wins over Madison Keys and McCartney Kessler, to reach the first WTA Tour final of her career. She will face defending champion Jessica Pegula for the title on Sunday…