Jessica Pegula, clutching her Charleston Open trophy, expressed gratitude to the tournament organizers, staff, and fans.
She then shared an emotional reflection, her voice breaking as she recalled her formative years at Smith Stearns Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, South Carolina. It was there, on clay courts, that she learned the fundamentals of tennis, later spending more time training on Daniel Island in her early twenties.
Winning the Charleston title after a demanding stretch in Miami felt incredibly special for Pegula.
This victory marked a significant milestone: Pegula`s first ever clay-court title at the age of 31.
Her 6-3, 7-5 victory against Sofia Kenin capped off an impressive run for Pegula.
In the final set, Pegula faced a daunting 5-1 deficit and was visibly fatigued. Kenin held three set points, but Pegula rallied, winning the game and shifting the momentum. She proceeded to win the next six games and the final ten points of the match.
Starting her Miami campaign on March 21st, Pegula reached the final, eventually losing to Aryna Sabalenka. However, she remained dedicated to playing in Charleston, a tournament close to her heart. Her victory over Kenin was her tenth in eleven matches over just 17 days.
Pegula`s recent success has propelled her to become the top-ranked American player, surpassing Coco Gauff to reach World No. 3. Her 25 match wins this year lead all other female players.
Pegula reminisced about starting tennis at Smith Stearns around age seven, spending over five years there before moving to Florida.
She credited Smith Stearns for instilling the solid technique that she believes is a major advantage in her game today. Billy Stearns` early coaching was crucial in developing her strokes, a foundation she deeply appreciates.
Her time in Hilton Head and the Low Country was a cherished part of her childhood, filled with tennis. Returning to Charleston and winning the title felt like a meaningful homecoming.
Reflecting on the second set comeback against Kenin, Pegula explained that at 5-1 down, her focus was simply to hold serve and gain some momentum, especially after not holding serve the entire set. That game proved to be a turning point.
Pegula also shared the influence of Hall of Famer Stan Smith, who focused on her serve technique, particularly the toss. She appreciates their ongoing relationship and his supportive messages. Both Smith and Billy Stearns consistently encourage her.
Regarding her impressive 10 wins in 11 matches over 17 days, Pegula admitted a slight surprise but attributed her confidence to her strong finish last year. This past success instilled the belief that she could sustain high performance over consecutive weeks, adapting to various conditions and environments.
Despite her demanding schedule, Pegula confirmed her plans to play in the Billie Jean King Cup in Bratislava, Slovakia. While looking forward to the team event and a slightly more relaxed approach in the coming weeks, she remains focused on winning and enjoying the sport.
Jasper Hawthorne 
Dominic Ashworth