Amanda Anisimova powered past Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-4, 6-2 in the Miami Round of 32 on Saturday, dominating with her serve to reach the Round of 16. The American won 78% of points on her first serve and closed out the match in straight sets, claiming her fifth career title.
After a competitive first set that saw Anisimova edge ahead 6-4, the American seized control in the second. Despite landing only 56% of her first serves compared to Starodubtseva’s 69%, Anisimova’s effectiveness when the serve landed proved decisive. She hit three aces to Starodubtseva’s zero and crucially won 44% of second serve points while Starodubtseva managed just 24%.
The Ukrainian had no answers in the second set as Anisimova raced to a 6-2 finish, ultimately winning 63 total points to Starodubtseva’s 45. The victory continues Anisimova’s solid hard court form following her semifinal run in Dubai earlier this season.
Key Takeaways
- Anisimova’s first serve was lethal despite a modest 56% landing rate — she won 78% of those points, 21 percentage points higher than Starodubtseva’s 57%.
- The second serve differential told the story: Anisimova won 44% of second serve points while Starodubtseva managed just 24%, exposing a critical vulnerability in the Ukrainian’s game.
- Anisimova hit three aces to Starodubtseva’s zero, maintaining her hard court average of 3.7 aces per match and adding free points at crucial moments.
- The American’s 63-45 edge in total points won reflects the match’s one-sided nature, particularly in the 6-2 second set where Starodubtseva had no answers.
Player Analysis
Amanda Anisimova
Anisimova delivered a clinical performance that showcased why she remains dangerous on hard courts. Her 78% success rate on first serves was elite, compensating for the relatively low 56% landing percentage. The American’s ability to hit through the court was evident — three aces and decisive points won when her serve found the box. More impressive was her second serve resilience at 44%, well above Starodubtseva’s anemic 24%.
This victory extends Anisimova’s solid 2026 hard court campaign following her Dubai semifinal run. With a 64% career win rate on hard courts and growing Miami experience (now 5-6 all-time at the tournament), she appears poised to replicate or exceed her 2025 Round of 16 finish. The key was maintaining aggression even when the first serve misfired — a hallmark of confident shot-making.
Yuliia Starodubtseva
Starodubtseva entered with superior serve placement metrics — 69% first serves landed compared to Anisimova’s 56% — but couldn’t capitalize. Winning only 57% of first serve points suggested the Ukrainian lacked the weapons to finish points, allowing Anisimova to dictate exchanges. The second serve collapse (24% points won) was fatal, handing cheap breaks to an opponent already applying pressure.
Three double faults to Anisimova’s two and zero aces compounded the problem. For a player who averaged 70% first serve percentage across recent hard court matches, the 69% here was solid, but the effectiveness simply wasn’t there. This likely marked Starodubtseva’s Miami debut or earliest appearance, and the stage may have been too big against an opponent with deep tournament experience and momentum from a strong spring.
Match Statistics
| Amanda Anisimova | Stat | Yuliia Starodubtseva |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Aces | 0 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 3 |
| 56% | 1st Serve % | 69% |
| 78% | 1st Serve Points Won | 57% |
| 44% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 24% |
| 63 | Total Points Won | 45 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Amanda Anisimova vs Yuliia Starodubtseva at Miami 2026?
Amanda Anisimova defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-4, 6-2 in the Round of 32 at the Miami Open on March 21, 2026.
How many aces did Amanda Anisimova hit against Yuliia Starodubtseva?
Anisimova hit 3 aces compared to Starodubtseva’s 0 aces in their Miami Round of 32 match.
What was Amanda Anisimova’s first serve winning percentage vs Starodubtseva?
Anisimova won an impressive 78% of points on her first serve, far exceeding Starodubtseva’s 57% in the same category.
Who won the Miami Open 2026 Round of 32 match between Anisimova and Starodubtseva?
Amanda Anisimova won the match in straight sets, advancing to the Round of 16 with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory.
What’s Next
Anisimova advances to the Miami Round of 16, where she’ll look to match or better her 2025 quarterfinal appearance. The American has shown the form to threaten higher seeds, particularly if her first serve percentage climbs closer to her 60% season average.
Head-to-head history: Amanda Anisimova vs Yuliia Starodubtseva.
