In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Jessica Pegula emerged victorious at the 2025 Credit One Charleston Open, cementing her status as a force to be reckoned with on the WTA Tour. The top-seeded American clinched the title in an all-American final against Sofia Kenin, winning 6-3, 7-5 on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Charleston, South Carolina. The triumph not only marked Pegula’s second singles title of the season but also propelled her past compatriot Coco Gauff to become the new American No. 1, reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 3. The tennis world, including Gauff and Madison Keys, erupted in celebration, showering Pegula with praise for her standout performance on the green clay courts.
The Charleston Open final was a rollercoaster of emotions and a testament to Pegula’s mental fortitude. She started strong, securing the first set 6-3 with a blend of precision and power. However, the second set saw Kenin, a former Australian Open champion, surge ahead to a commanding 5-1 lead, putting Pegula on the brink of a deciding set. Undeterred, Pegula mounted an astonishing comeback, saving three set points and rattling off six consecutive games to seal the match in straight sets. Her composure under pressure was evident as she fired down three aces and limited her double faults to just two, even as Kenin faltered with a critical double fault on match point. This victory improved Pegula’s head-to-head record against Kenin to 4-2, underscoring her growing dominance in their rivalry.
Pegula’s journey to the Charleston title was nothing short of remarkable, especially coming off a runner-up finish at the Miami Open just days earlier, where she fell to Aryna Sabalenka. Rather than dwelling on that defeat, Pegula channeled her energy into a stellar clay-court campaign. “It’s really special winning in a place that means so much to me,” Pegula shared in an emotional reflection after the match. She reminisced about her roots in the sport, noting how she grew up training on green clay at the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, South Carolina, not far from Charleston. “I learned how to play tennis there on the green clay, and then it’s been a couple of years training here right on Daniel Island in my early 20s,” she added, her voice tinged with nostalgia. The win, she said, felt “incredible” after a grueling two weeks that included a hard-fought semifinal battle against Ekaterina Alexandrova, which she won 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.
The tennis community was quick to celebrate Pegula’s triumph. Coco Gauff, who slipped to No. 4 in the rankings as a result of Pegula’s ascent, offered a heartfelt “Congratulations” on social media, showcasing the camaraderie among the American stars. Madison Keys, fresh off her Australian Open title earlier in the year, was more exuberant, commenting, “Goat s—,” a playful nod to Pegula’s exceptional play. Other tennis luminaries joined the chorus of praise, with Victoria Azarenka writing, “Love that, congrats Jessie,” and Kim Clijsters adding a string of celebratory emojis. Even beyond the tennis world, American alpine skier Lindsey Vonn chimed in with her own emoji-laden congratulations, reflecting the broad admiration for Pegula’s achievement.
This victory was more than just another trophy for Pegula—it completed a rare career trifecta. With her Charleston win on clay, alongside previous titles on hard courts and grass, she now stands alone among active WTA players as the only one to have conquered all three surfaces. This versatility sets her apart from even the sport’s biggest names, like Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, who have yet to claim a grass-court title, and Gauff, whose best grass result remains a Wimbledon semifinal. “It’s surreal,” Pegula remarked, reflecting on her eighth career singles title. “I’ve always prided myself on adjusting to any court. To finally check all three boxes… it’s special.”
As Pegula basks in her latest triumph, her season record now stands at an impressive 24 singles wins, the most of any player on the WTA Tour in 2025. With her dog Maddie by her side—featured in her celebratory Instagram post—she expressed gratitude to the Charleston Open organizers, saying, “You go above and beyond to make this tournament the best it can be—thank you for everything. I already can’t wait for next year, Charleston.” Her next challenge awaits at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, but for now, Pegula’s Charleston triumph has solidified her as a standout star, inspiring fans and peers alike with her resilience, adaptability, and undeniable talent.