Jessica Pegula wins first clay court title at Charleston Open

Top seed Pegula defeats fellow American Sofia Kenin to clinch emotional win on Charleston clay.

Jessica Pegula poses with the trophy after defeating fellow American Sofia Kenin in the Charleston Open final at Credit One Stadium on April 6, 2025, in Charleston, South Carolina. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Jessica Pegula wins first clay court title at the 2025 Charleston Open after defeating fellow American Sofia Kenin in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5, in Sunday’s final at Daniel Island. The top-seeded Pegula delivered a composed performance in challenging conditions to claim her first-ever trophy on the surface, a breakthrough she called “really special.”

The victory is not only a milestone in Pegula’s career but also a confirmation of her growing stature on the WTA Tour. By winning Charleston, Pegula continues an impressive run of form, capturing her second singles title in her last four tournaments. The result also guarantees her a new career-high ranking of World No. 3, making her the top-ranked American woman ahead of Coco Gauff.

“It’s my first clay court title, which is really cool. To win it here in Charleston, it’s really special,” Pegula said in her post-match comments, quoted on the official Charleston Open website. The 31-year-old, known for her consistency and grit, battled through a tense second set to secure the win in an hour and 26 minutes.

A historic all-American final

The championship match in Charleston marked the first time two American women faced off in the final of the tournament since 1990, when Martina Navratilova defeated Jennifer Capriati at Hilton Head Island. On Sunday, it was Pegula and Kenin who renewed that legacy, showcasing their resilience and rivalry in front of an appreciative home crowd.

Pegula, who has been one of the most dependable players on tour over the past two seasons, brought her trademark mental toughness to the court. After a confident first set, she found herself in trouble early in the second. Kenin jumped to a 5-1 lead, taking control of the rallies and pressuring Pegula into errors.

But as she has done so many times in her career, Pegula found a way to turn things around. She saved three set points and stormed back, winning six consecutive games to close out the match. Her comeback left the crowd in awe and Kenin with few answers.

“I actually told my coach, ‘I think I’m at my limit,’” Pegula admitted after the match. “I just realized how tired I was. He started playing high-level tennis. There were some games where I didn’t get discouraged, I didn’t hang in there. It was very windy and very difficult.”

Pegula’s calm under pressure was a key factor in her win. Despite the blustery conditions that affected both players, she kept her focus and adapted her game. She moved better, made smart shot selections, and forced Kenin into risky plays.

“I feel like if you lose focus or stop moving your feet for even a few seconds, the ball can swing really fast,” Pegula explained. “That’s the case for both of us today. You have to stay locked in every point.”

Rising through the ranks

With this victory, Pegula solidifies her position as one of the elite players on the WTA circuit. Over the last 24 months, she has been remarkably consistent, reaching the latter stages of most tournaments and showing her versatility across all surfaces.

Her win in Charleston, the first of her career on clay, fills a gap in her résumé and gives her confidence heading into the European clay swing. With the French Open on the horizon, Pegula is poised to be a serious contender.

“I’ve always felt like I could play well on clay, but I’ve just never had the breakthrough. Now that I have, it gives me a different mindset going forward,” she said.

Pegula’s recent form speaks for itself: two titles and three finals in her last four tournaments. Her movement, shot placement, and ability to read the game have all improved, and the results are finally starting to reflect the work she’s put in behind the scenes.

A moment of pride

The Charleston crowd gave Pegula a warm ovation as she lifted the trophy, marking a proud moment in her career. The tournament, one of the longest-running in the United States, has hosted countless legends—and Pegula’s name now joins that storied history.

“It’s always special to win on home soil, but to do it here on clay, at this point in my career, means a lot,” she said. “I’ve had some tough moments, and it feels like things are coming together.”

Her win also sends a strong message to the rest of the field ahead of the clay season. Pegula is not only one of the most consistent players on tour but now also a proven threat on every surface.

As she begins preparing for the upcoming tournaments in Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros, Pegula will carry with her the belief that she can compete with the best—anywhere, anytime.