Jessica Pegula’s strong start to the 2026 season continued with another title, as the American successfully defended the Credit One Charleston Open crown with a 6-2 6-2 win over Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in the final. The WTA 500 event in Charleston is the first clay-court week of the women’s season, played on green clay rather than the usual red clay we usually see later in Europe, including at the iconic Roland Garros, and Pegula finished the week by lifting the trophy for the second year in a row. sPegula became the first repeat champion in Charleston since Serena Williams in 2013. It was also her second title of the year after Dubai, and the 11th singles title of her career.
What made the title even more special was the way she got there. Pegula had to work really hard through the week, coming through four straight three-set matches to reach the final and spending more than 11 hours on court. But on Sunday, she looked fresh again and produced one of her best matches of the tournament when it mattered most.
The final itself was quite one-sided. Pegula settled quickly, took control of the rallies, and never really allowed Starodubtseva to grow into the match. She won in 1 hour and 22 minutes, and after such a physically demanding week, that kind of final performance said a lot about her level and confidence right now.
For Starodubtseva, it was still a week to remember. The Ukrainian reached the first WTA final of her career in Charleston and is now set for a nice rise in the rankings after her impressive run. For a player who came into the event without too much spotlight, it was a big moment in her journey.
Charleston had a slightly different feel this year, with several of the biggest names on the tour, like Sabalenka, Swiatek and Rybakina, not in the draw. But Pegula, as the top seed, handled that role really well. She had to fight through a tough week, including plenty of three-set battles, and then produced a very calm and controlled performance in the final. That is what has made her so consistent over the years. She may not always be the favourite name on tour, but she keeps showing up, keeps winning matches, and keeps putting together strong weeks. With the clay season now underway, this was another timely and important title for the American.
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