Credit One Charleston Open Brings Top Talent and Community Celebration

Record-setting prize money, star-studded field, and expanded fan experiences highlight 2026 tournament

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:04pm

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The Credit One Charleston Open returns to South Carolina this weekend with a $2.5 million prize purse, the highest ever for a standalone WTA 500 event. The tournament features 10 players ranked in the WTA Top 25, including defending champion Jessica Pegula and 2025 Grand Slam finalist Amanda Anisimova. In addition to world-class tennis, the event will offer an expanded lineup of dining, entertainment, and community programming for fans.

Why it matters

As the largest women's-only tennis tournament in North America, the Charleston Open has long been a proving ground for innovation in the sport. This year's record prize money and deep international field underscore the growing strength and popularity of women's tennis, while the expanded fan experiences aim to make the event a true community celebration.

The details

The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open will award $2.5 million in total player compensation, making it the first standalone WTA 500 tournament to offer equal prize money to women before the 2033 WTA goal. The main draw features 10 players ranked in the WTA Top 25, including World No. 5 Jessica Pegula, World No. 6 Amanda Anisimova, and a host of Grand Slam champions and Olympic medalists. For fans, new offerings include an outdoor Lowcountry-inspired restaurant, a wine lounge, and hotel-style hospitality experiences, as well as themed nights celebrating ladies, educators, military, and women in sports.

  • The tournament qualifying rounds will take place on March 28-29.
  • The main draw begins on March 30 and runs through the final on April 5.

The players

Jessica Pegula

The defending Charleston Open champion, currently ranked World No. 5 on the WTA Tour.

Amanda Anisimova

A two-time 2025 Grand Slam finalist, currently ranked World No. 6.

Ekaterina Alexandrova

A two-time Charleston Open semifinalist, currently ranked World No. 11.

Belinda Bencic

The 2020 Olympic gold medalist and 2022 Charleston Open champion, currently ranked World No. 12.

Madison Keys

The 2025 Australian Open champion and 2019 Charleston Open champion, currently ranked World No. 15.

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What they’re saying

“This year's field reflects the strength and depth of women's tennis right now. With 10 Top 25 players confirmed, a strong group of American contenders and athletes representing 20 different countries, the level of competition in Charleston will be incredibly high.”

— Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment

What’s next

Fans can purchase tickets for the 2026 Credit One Charleston Open through the tournament's website.

The takeaway

The Credit One Charleston Open continues to cement its status as a premier event on the women's tennis calendar, offering record-setting prize money, a star-studded international field, and an expanded slate of community programming and fan experiences. This year's tournament showcases the growing strength and popularity of women's tennis while providing a unique celebration of the sport, the city of Charleston, and the local community.