Jessica Pegula successfully defended her title at the 2026 Credit One Charleston Open, defeating Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-2, 6-2 in the final. Pegula, the No. 1 tournament seed, showcased her skills by bouncing back after an early setback, ultimately winning her second consecutive championship at the event. Starodubtseva, despite being unseeded and seeking her first WTA title, impressed with her determination and personal story. This victory makes Pegula the first back-to-back champion in Charleston since Serena Williams in 2013, further solidifying her status in women's tennis.

By the Numbers
  • Pegula has a career record of 279-132.
  • Starodubtseva earned $218,225 during her week at the tournament.
State of Play
  • Pegula has won 23 matches this season, leading the WTA.
  • The Charleston Open featured a total purse of $2.5 million, doubled from previous years.
What's Next

Pegula aims to maintain her momentum heading into the clay court season, while Starodubtseva seeks to leverage this experience for further success on tour. With the growing visibility of women's tennis, both players will likely have increased opportunities in upcoming tournaments.

Bottom Line

Pegula's back-to-back titles at Charleston not only boost her ranking and earnings but also signify her evolution as a top contender in women’s tennis. As she continues to shine, the sport benefits from highlighting diverse narratives, like Starodubtseva's, enriching the overall tennis landscape.