World number four Jessica Pegula showcased incredible resilience to claim her maiden clay-court title at the Charleston Open, defeating compatriot Sofia Kenin 6-3, 7-5 in a thrilling final.
The victory marks Pegula’s eighth career title and her second triumph of the year following her success in Austin.
In a historic all-American showdown—the first at Charleston since 1990—the 31-year-old Pegula took control early, breaking Kenin in the opening game to take the first set.
However, 26-year-old Kenin, a former Australian Open champion, mounted a fierce response, surging to a 5-1 lead in the second set.
Pegula’s remarkable fightback saw her save three set points and win six consecutive games to seal the victory against her lower-ranked opponent, who sits 40 places below her in the standings.
Reflecting on her performance, Pegula said, “To be able to come here this week after a long two weeks in Miami and take the title is just incredible.”
The top seed credited her determination and adaptability, particularly in windy conditions, for her turnaround. “I honestly didn’t think I was going to break her twice, but luckily I could play some good tennis,” she added.
Pegula’s victory comes just a week after her loss in the Miami Open final to Aryna Sabalenka. With this win, she is set to climb to world number three, cementing her status as a consistent force on the WTA Tour.
Elsewhere, Jenson Brooksby captured his first ATP title at the US Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston. The 24-year-old wildcard stunned second seed Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 6-2, overcoming a 13-month suspension with a remarkable performance.
