2026 Credit One Charleston Open: Full Schedule and Prize Money Breakdown
As the WTA Tour transitions to the uniquely elegant green clay of South Carolina, the 2026 Credit One Charleston Open is setting a new gold standard for women’s professional sports. Marking its 54th edition, North America’s largest women’s-only tennis tournament has officially announced a landmark $2.5 million player compensation package—a historic milestone that matches the prize purses of ATP 500 events and underscores Charleston’s role as a pioneer in the movement for equal pay.
From March 30 to April 5, 2026, the Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island will host 48 of the world’s best singles players and 16 elite doubles teams. With the qualifying rounds concluding this weekend, the main draw action is set to begin under a cloud of high anticipation and significant last-minute field changes.
A Milestone in Prize Money: Breaking Down the $2.3 Million Purse
The headline of the 2026 tournament is undoubtedly the financial commitment made by the tournament and its title sponsor, Credit One Bank. Total player compensation has reached $2,500,000, consisting of $2.3 million in direct on-site prize money and an additional $200,000 dedicated to player benefits. This effectively doubles the payout from just twelve months ago.
For the athletes, the stakes have never been higher on the green clay. The singles champion will walk away with a staggering $354,345, while the doubles victors will share $117,320.
2026 Singles Prize Money and Ranking Points
| Round | 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 |
2026 Doubles Prize Money and Ranking Points
| Round | Prize Money | WTA Points |
| Winner | $117,320 | 500 |
| Finalist | $71,300 | 325 |
| Semifinalist | $41,400 | 195 |
| Quarterfinalist | $21,260 | 108 |
| Round of 16 | $12,970 | 1 |
Tournament Schedule: From First Ball to the Finals
The 2026 schedule is designed to maximize the fan experience, featuring a mix of high-energy day sessions and atmospheric night matches under the lights of the Credit One Stadium. Gates typically open one hour before the start of play, with the first round of the main draw officially kicking off on Monday, March 30.
Complete Session Breakdown
| Session | Date | Gates Open | Start Time | Match Notes |
| Session 1 | Sat 3/28 – Day | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | Qualifying |
| Session 2 | Sun 3/29 – Day | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | Qualifying |
| Session 3 | Mon 3/30 – Day | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | 1st Round |
| Session 4 | Mon 3/30 – Night | 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 1st Round |
| Session 5 | Tue 3/31 – Day | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | 1st & 2nd Round |
| Session 6 | Tue 3/31 – Night | 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 1st & 2nd Round |
| Session 7 | Wed 4/1 – Day | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | 2nd Round |
| Session 8 | Wed 4/1 – Night | 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 2nd Round |
| Session 9 | Thu 4/2 – Day | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | 3rd Round |
| Session 10 | Thu 4/2 – Night | 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 3rd Round |
| Session 11 | Fri 4/3 – Day | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | Quarterfinals |
| Session 12 | Fri 4/3 – Night | 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | Quarterfinals |
| Session 13 | Sat 4/4 – Day | 10:00 am | 11:00 am | Semifinals |
| Session 14 | Sun 4/5 – Day | 10:00 am | 12:30 pm | Championship Sunday |
Note: On Sunday, April 5, the Doubles Final will begin at 12:30 pm, followed by the Singles Final at 3:00 pm.
Player Field News: A Major Withdrawal and the Fight for the Cup
The 2026 field features a compelling blend of Grand Slam champions and rising phenoms. However, the tournament suffered a blow on the eve of the main draw with the withdrawal of the No. 2 seed, Amanda Anisimova. The world number six, who has been in blistering form over the last year, was forced to pull out due to a nagging injury sustained during the Miami Open. Her absence clears a significant path in the bottom half of the draw for stars like Belinda Bencic and the teenage sensation Iva Jovic.
Defending champion and world number five Jessica Pegula enters as the top seed and heavy favorite. Pegula’s 2025 victory was a masterclass in clay-court tactical play, and she looks to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-2013) to successfully defend the Charleston title.
“Charleston is a place where I feel at home,” Pegula said during the draw ceremony. “Seeing the tournament step up with equal prize money this year makes winning it again feel even more important. It’s a statement for all of us.”
Stars to Watch:
- Iva Jovic: The 18-year-old American makes her highly anticipated Charleston debut as the 4th seed.
- Madison Keys: The 2019 champion remains a fan favorite and a perennial threat on the Har-Tru surface.
- Wildcard Watch: Grand Slam champions Bianca Andreescu, Sloane Stephens, and Paula Badosa have all received wildcards, making the early rounds exceptionally dangerous for seeded players.
How to Tune In
For fans unable to soak in the Southern hospitality in person, the 2026 Credit One Charleston Open will be broadcast globally.
- United States: Live coverage will be provided by Tennis Channel, with streaming available on the Tennis Channel Plus app.
- International: Fans can follow the action via WTA TV and regional partners such as Sky Sports and beIN Sports.
As the gates open on Daniel Island, the stage is set for a week of history, both on the court and in the record books. With $2.5 million on the line and a wide-open draw, the 2026 Charleston Open is ready to usher in the clay season with more prestige than ever before.