Overview
- Pegula closed out Sunday’s final in 82 minutes, defeating first-time finalist Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-2, 6-2 to become the tournament’s first back-to-back champion on Daniel Island since Serena Williams in 2013.
- She controlled the key moments, saving 7 of 8 break points and converting 5 of 6, while Starodubtseva struggled with 41 unforced errors.
- The title is Pegula’s second of 2026 after Dubai and the 11th of her career, and she now leads the WTA with 24 match wins this season.
- Starodubtseva reached her maiden final after entering the main draw late due to a withdrawal, and her run is projected to lift her ranking to a career-best No. 53.
- The Charleston Open was reported to be the first WTA 500 to match ATP 500 prize money, with Pegula earning $354,355 and Starodubtseva $218,225.