Elena Rybakina will face Yuliia Starodubtseva in the second round of the 2026 French Open, with the match drawing attention because of the stark contrast in ranking, experience and recent form. Rybakina, the No. 2 seed, entered the tournament as one of the leading title contenders after winning the Australian Open earlier in 2026, giving her a second Grand Slam crown and reinforcing her status as one of the strongest players in the women’s draw. She also opened her Roland-Garros campaign with a straight-sets win, continuing the steady form that has made her a favorite in Paris.
Starodubtseva, meanwhile, arrives as the unseeded challenger seeking one of the tournament’s early upsets. The Ukrainian player showed signs of promise at last year’s French Open, where she reached the third round and demonstrated that she can compete effectively on the Paris clay. Although she is the clear underdog against Rybakina, her previous performance at Roland-Garros suggests she cannot be dismissed, especially in the unpredictable early stages of a Grand Slam.
The match is significant not only for the players involved but also for fans looking to follow the action live. According to the provided content, Starodubtseva vs. Rybakina is available to stream for free on 9Now, an Australian platform that carries live French Open coverage. However, the service is geo-restricted to Australia, meaning viewers outside the country cannot access it directly without a workaround. The article says this can be done using a VPN, which allows users to connect through an Australian server and appear as though they are browsing from within the country.
The viewing steps outlined include signing up for a streaming-friendly VPN, downloading the app to a device, connecting to an Australian server and then visiting 9Now to watch the match live. The content specifically highlights ExpressVPN as the recommended option, noting its broad device support, server coverage in more than 100 countries, strong privacy policy, fast speeds and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also references a discounted subscription offer, presenting the service as a practical solution for tennis fans hoping to access free streams from abroad.
Beyond the streaming details, the matchup itself reflects the broader excitement of the second round at Roland-Garros, where established stars and emerging challengers often meet in high-pressure contests. Rybakina’s power, seeding and Grand Slam pedigree make her the likely favorite, but Starodubtseva’s resilience and past clay-court progress add an element of uncertainty. For fans, that combination creates a compelling second-round encounter as the 2026 French Open intensifies.
