Jessica Pegula won the Credit One Charleston Open for the second consecutive year on Sunday, April 5, dominating surprise finalist Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-2, 6-2. The American became the first player to defend this title since Serena Williams in 2013, writing her name into the history of the oldest women's clay-court tournament in the United States.
The final left no room for suspense. In just 1 hour and 22 minutes, Pegula suffocated Starodubtseva's ambitions in what was the Ukrainian's first career final. The American won 56% of return points, faced only two break points throughout the entire match, and displayed impressive tactical variety mixing slices, drop shots, and net approaches (according to WTA.com).
But this clinical final performance masked a far more chaotic journey to the title. Pegula spent 11 hours and 22 minutes on court during the week, coming from a set down in her first three matches. Four consecutive three-set victories against Yulia Putintseva, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Diana Shnaider, and rising star Iva Jovic preceded this commanding final display. A steely mentality that makes the difference at the highest level.
"Thank you to the fans who've supported me throughout this whole week. There were many three-set matches. It's been such a long week for me," Pegula said at the ceremony (according to WTA.com). Words that reflect the considerable physical toll of a tournament where nothing came easy.
With this eleventh career title and second of 2026 following Dubai in February, Pegula cements her place among the world's best players. She leads the WTA tour with 24 wins this season and maintains her world number five ranking. At 32, the American is arguably experiencing the finest stretch of her career.
On the other side of the net, Starodubtseva has no reason to be disappointed with her week. The 26-year-old Ukrainian, ranked 89th in the world before the tournament, is projected to climb to a career-high 53rd. An upward trajectory that confirms the current depth of the women's tour.
