Jessica Pegula wins 2025 Charleston Open

Twice is nice for Jessica Pegula.

Taking the Credit One Charleston Open final in straight-sets (6-3, 7-5) over fellow American Sofia Kenin, Pegula earned her second singles title of the 2025 WTA season and her first ever tournament title on clay. With the victory, Pegula is now the top-ranked American player at No. 3 overall in the WTA World Rankings.

"The tank was kind of empty today, but it helped me relax," an exhausted Pegula said after the final. "It helped me focus on what I needed to do instead of trying to waste energy, and I was able to close it out."

The top-seeded Pegula got off to a hot start in Sunday's final by taking the first set 6-3. Kenin, one half of the first all-American Charleston Open final in 35 years, responded in the second set by jumping out to a 5-1 lead. While it appeared the match was destined for three sets, Pegula battled back in a big way, taking six consecutive games to close out the second set and earn a hard-fought victory.

"With the (first) hold and break, I kind of got the momentum back," Pegula said of the second set. "I try to think about the momentum shifts of the match. You want to be aware of that and try to control that as much as you can."

Pegula has been on an impressive run of form over the last two months. In addition to the Charleston Open victory, she won her first singles title of the year in March at the ATX open, and last week finished runner-up at the Miami Open. Having spent several years of her childhood growing up in nearby Hilton Head, SC, Sunday's win was especially significant for Pegula.

"I learned how to play tennis there (Hilton Head) on the green clay and spent a couple years training here on Daniel Island in my early 20s," Pegula said as she fought back tears. "To be able to come here this week after a long two weeks in Miami and take the title is just incredible. I love coming here and I can't wait to be back."

Congratulations Jess and good luck in the rest of the clay court season!