Jakarta - Top seed Jessica Pegula won her first career clay court title at the 2025 Charleston Open on Sunday (6/4) local time or Monday WIB, after defeating Sofia Kenin, 6-3, 7-5, in an all-American final at Daniel Island.
"It's my first clay court title, which is really cool. To win it here in Charleston, it's really special," Pegula said, as quoted from the official Charleston Open website, Monday.
The win marked Pegula's second singles title in her last four tournaments, a prolific stretch that has seen her reach three finals. Pegula will move up to No. 3 in the world on Monday, unseating Coco Gauff as the top-ranked American.
The final was the first between two Americans at the event since Martina Navratilova beat Jennifer Capriati at Hilton Head Island in 1990.
Pegula struggled to hold on to rallies and soon found herself trailing 5-1. However, Kenin could not capitalize on any of her three set points.
As she had done so many times before, Pegula fought back in the round, winning the final six games to close out the championship in one hour and 26 minutes.
"I actually told him (her coach), 'I think I'm at my limit.' I just realized how tired I was," Pegula said.
"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."
"I feel like if you lose focus or stop moving your feet for a few seconds, the ball will swing really fast. That's the case for both of us," said the 31-year-old.
One of the most consistent players on tour over the past two years, Pegula now has the best WTA record with 25 match wins this season.
After reaching three straight semifinals in Charleston, he finally had the trophy in his grasp.
"I think my tenacity won me a lot of matches this week. Especially on clay, I feel like you have to have some tenacity and toughness, because the serve is not as effective," Pegula said.