Pegula Survives Thriller at Charleston Open

Defending champion Jessica Pegula battles past Elisabetta Cocciaretto in three sets.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:01am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and competitive energy of a high-stakes tennis match, with sharp geometric shapes and planes representing the players' powerful strokes and court coverage.Pegula's hard-fought victory over Cocciaretto showcases the intensity and athleticism of top-level clay court tennis.Charleston Today

Top-seeded Jessica Pegula, the defending champion, was pushed to three sets before defeating Elisabetta Cocciaretto in a thrilling match at the Credit One Charleston Open on the clay courts of Daniel Island.

Why it matters

Pegula, one of the top players on the women's tour, is looking to defend her title at the prestigious Charleston Open, a key clay court tune-up event ahead of the French Open.

The details

Pegula, the world No. 3, took the first set 6-4 before Cocciaretto leveled the match by winning the second set 7-5. In the decisive third set, Pegula prevailed 6-3 to advance to the next round of the tournament.

  • The match took place on April 3, 2026.

The players

Jessica Pegula

The world No. 3 and defending champion of the Credit One Charleston Open.

Elisabetta Cocciaretto

An Italian tennis player who pushed Pegula to three sets in their match.

Belinda Bencic

Another player who advanced at the Charleston Open clay court tournament.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That was a tough battle out there today. Elisabetta really pushed me to the limit, but I'm glad I was able to come through in the end.”

— Jessica Pegula

What’s next

Pegula will face the winner of the match between Belinda Bencic and another opponent in the next round of the Charleston Open.

The takeaway

Pegula's ability to grind out a tough three-set victory against a tough opponent demonstrates her championship mettle as she seeks to defend her title at the prestigious Charleston Open, a key clay court event ahead of the French Open.