2026 Charleston Open
March 28 – April 5 UTC-4
As the tennis world pivots from the blistering hard courts of the “Sunshine Double” in Miami to the elegant, moss-draped serenity of the Lowcountry, all eyes turn to Daniel Island. The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open is not just another stop on the WTA Tour; it is a storied tradition, a masterclass in Southern hospitality, and the official starting gun for the clay-court season in North America.
From March 28 to April 5, 2026, the world’s elite will descend upon the Credit One Stadium to slide, grind, and compete for one of the most unique trophies in the sport. This year’s edition carries extra weight, marking a historic leap in prize money and featuring a generational crossroads of talent that promises one of the most unpredictable draws in recent memory.
Tournament Essentials: Dates and Venue
The 54th edition of this WTA 500 powerhouse kicks off with qualifying rounds on Saturday, March 28, leading into the main draw festivities beginning Monday, March 30.
- Dates: March 28 – April 5, 2026
- Venue: Credit One Stadium, Daniel Island, Charleston, South Carolina
- Surface: Green Clay (Har-Tru)
- Level: WTA 500
- Total Prize Money: US$2,300,000
The venue itself remains a marvel of modern sports architecture. Since its massive renovation, the Credit One Stadium has set the gold standard for player and fan experience. Unlike the red dirt of Roland Garros, Charleston’s green clay offers a slightly faster pace and a distinct “Carolina feel,” favoring players who can balance defensive sliding with aggressive baseline play.
The Queen of the Lowcountry: Defending Champions
All roads to the title go through the world number five and defending champion, Jessica Pegula.
In 2025, Pegula captured an emotional victory on what she considers her second home turf, defeating fellow American Sofia Kenin in a hard-fought 6-3, 7-5 final. It was a milestone win for Pegula—not only her first title on clay but the moment she officially reclaimed the mantle of the No. 1 American. Her connection to the area runs deep; having trained on Daniel Island in her early twenties, her 2025 triumph was a full-circle moment that cemented her status as the tournament’s “Homegrown Hero.”
In the doubles arena, the formidable duo of Jelena Ostapenko and Erin Routliffe return to defend their 2025 crown. Known for their explosive power and tactical synergy, they will be the team to beat in a field that historically treats doubles with high prestige.
The 2026 Player Field: Stars to Watch
The 2026 entry list reads like a “Who’s Who” of women’s tennis, blending established icons with the meteoric rise of the next generation.
The Heavy Hitters
- Jessica Pegula (Seed #1): The favorite. Her consistency and high tennis IQ make her a nightmare on green clay.
- Ekaterina Alexandrova (Seed #2): A perennial threat in Charleston. Her flat, piercing groundstrokes somehow find a way to penetrate the clay, making her a dangerous finalist contender.
- Belinda Bencic (Seed #3): The 2022 champion. Bencic’s ability to take the ball early is legendary, and she always seems to find her best form in the South Carolina air.
The “Teen Queen” and Rising Stars
The most discussed name in the 2026 draw is undoubtedly Iva Jovic (Seed #4). Currently ranked 17th in the world, Jovic’s ascent has been the story of the last twelve months. Charleston fans love a breakout star, and Jovic’s aggressive all-court game is perfectly suited for the Har-Tru surface.
Other names to keep a sharp eye on include Diana Shnaider (Seed #7) and the tactical wizardry of Janice Tjen (Seed #12), both of whom have seen massive ranking jumps heading into the spring.
The American Contingent
Charleston always brings out the best in the Americans. Madison Keys (Seed #5), the 2019 champion, remains a force of nature with her serve and forehand. Meanwhile, Sofia Kenin (Seed #16), last year’s runner-up, returns with a point to prove and a game that thrives on the grit of the clay.
Prize Money & Ranking Points
The 2026 edition features a total prize commitment of $2,300,000, reinforcing its status as the premier WTA 500 event in the world. In a historic move, the tournament has continued its commitment to pay parity and elevated purses, ensuring that the champion walks away with a check north of $350,000.
| Result | Prize Money | WTA Points |
| Winner | $354,345 | 500 |
| Finalist | $218,225 | 325 |
| Semifinalist | $110,370 | 195 |
| Quarterfinalist | $55,200 | 108 |
| Round of 16 | $27,870 | 60 |
| Round of 32 | $17,230 | 32 |
| Round of 64 | $13,830 | 1 |
Complete Tournament Schedule
Planning your week at Daniel Island? Here is the definitive session-by-session breakdown. Please note that match times are subject to change based on weather and match length.
Provisional Schedule (March 28 – April 5)
| Session | Date | Gates Open | Start Time | Match Notes |
| Session 1 | Sat 3/28 | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | Qualifying |
| Session 2 | Sun 3/29 | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | Qualifying |
| Session 3 | Mon 3/30 | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | 1st Round (Day) |
| Session 4 | Mon 3/30 | 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 1st Round (Night) |
| Session 5 | Tue 3/31 | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | 1st & 2nd Round (Day) |
| Session 6 | Tue 3/31 | 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 1st & 2nd Round (Night) |
| Session 7 | Wed 4/1 | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | 2nd Round (Day) |
| Session 8 | Wed 4/1 | 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 2nd Round (Night) |
| Session 9 | Thu 4/2 | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | 3rd Round (Day) |
| Session 10 | Thu 4/2 | 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 3rd Round (Night) |
| Session 11 | Fri 4/3 | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | Quarterfinals (Day) |
| Session 12 | Fri 4/3 | 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | Quarterfinals (Night) |
| Session 13 | Sat 4/4 | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | Semifinals |
| Session 14 | Sun 4/5 | 10:00 am | 12:30 pm | Finals* |
*Doubles Final begins at 12:30 pm, followed by the Singles Final at 3:00 pm.
Fan Experience: Beyond the Baseline
What makes Charleston truly special isn’t just the tennis—it’s the atmosphere. The tournament is a lifestyle event, often referred to as “the garden party of the WTA.”
- Dining: Expect more than just stadium hot dogs. The Credit One Charleston Open is famous for its curated food villages, featuring Lowcountry staples like shrimp and grits, local oysters, and craft cocktails.
- The Terrace: The renovated stadium offers climate-controlled suites and a world-class terrace that provides panoramic views of Daniel Island and the marshes.
- Junior Tennis & Clinics: The tournament remains deeply committed to the community, hosting clinics for young players throughout the week, often with surprise appearances from top seeds.
How to Watch
If you can’t make it to South Carolina, the 2026 Credit One Charleston Open will be broadcast extensively to over 160 countries.
- United States: Tennis Channel is the exclusive home for “first ball to last ball” coverage. You can stream every match live on the Tennis Channel App.
- International: Fans can tune in via WTA TV, the tour’s official streaming service.
- Regional Partners: Check local listings for Sky Sports (UK), beIN Sports (Europe/Middle East), and DAZN (Canada).
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open is shaping up to be a definitive moment in the season. Can Jessica Pegula defend her home turf? Will Iva Jovic prove that the “future” is actually right now? Or will a veteran like Belinda Bencic remind everyone why she’s a former champion?
One thing is certain: between the Spanish moss and the green clay, magic is about to happen in the Lowcountry.