Caty McNally vs Yuliia Starodubtseva Preview & Prediction | 2026 Wuhan Open | First Round

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

Caty McNally and Yuliia Starodubtseva meet for the second time in 2026 as the pair face off in the first round of the Wuhan Open.

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time: 12 October 2026 at 7:30 am

Venue: Optics Valley International Tennis Center, Wuhan, China

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Caty McNally vs Yuliia Starodubtseva ticket information

Caty McNally vs Yuliia Starodubtseva prediction

Caty McNally finds herself in the main draw of the Wuhan Open for the first time in her career after seeing off Yue Yuan and Lanlana Tararudee in qualifying, the latter in three sets.

The American, who generally has more success on the doubles circuit, has navigated her way past the first round of the last three WTA 1000-rated events she has entered.

Yuliia Starodubtseva is a dangerous opponent though, with the world number 44 having reached her first WTA Tour final this year at the clay-court Charleston Open, as well as producing some encouraging results on hard courts.

McNally is the favourite with the bookies here but this one isn't clear cut. It could well come down to fine margins, as it did in McNally's three-set victory over Starodubtseva in Austin earlier this year, so over 2.5 sets looks like a reasonable market to back.

Caty McNally vs Yuliia Starodubtseva tip: Over 2.5 sets