2024 Season in Review: Charleston Edition

Look back on the 2024 Hologic WTA Tour season through the eyes of the accomplished athletes who are already set to compete in the 2025 Credit One Charleston Open.

Jessica Pegula – World No. 7 

American Jessica Pegula delivered a standout 2024 season, adding two singles titles—one on grass and one on hard court—to her growing list of achievements, and solidifying her status as a versatile powerhouse in women’s tennis.

Pegula started the year with strong performances on hard courts, making semifinal appearances in Adelaide and San Diego, and a quarterfinal run in Miami. She carried that momentum into the clay season, starting in Charleston, where she had an exciting semifinal run before being narrowly edged out by former champion Daria Kasatkina for a spot in the final.

During the summer grass court swing, Pegula achieved another milestone when she captured her fifth career title in Berlin. Just weeks later, she swiftly transitioned back to clay to proudly represent the USA in the 2024 Olympics on the iconic courts of Roland Garros, alongside 2024 Charleston champion Danielle Collins, 2023 Charleston doubles champion Desirae Krawczyk, Charleston local Emma Navarro and top-ranked American Coco Gauff. 

When the summer swing moved to hard courts, she continued her success, securing her sixth career title and second consecutive victory in Toronto. Her Toronto triumph set the stage for a remarkable final season stretch, as Pegula went on to reach back-to-back finals in Cincinnati and New York, where she had her deepest Grand Slam run to date at the US Open.

Pegula’s remarkable season concluded with a World No. 7 ranking, marking her third consecutive year finishing in the Top 10—a testament to her consistency and excellence on the WTA Tour. 

Following two back-to-back semifinal appearances in Charleston in 2023 and 2024, Pegula will return in 2025 with her sights set on capturing the title.

Emma Navarro – World No. 8 

Charleston’s own Emma Navarro has made waves on the global stage this season, culminating in her recent recognition as WTA’s Most Improved Player. 

The 23-year-old’s journey to the top began in January with a breakthrough victory in Hobart, Australia, where she claimed her first career singles title.

Navarro’s strong form continued throughout the hard court season, highlighted by an impressive semifinal run in San Diego, a quarterfinal finish in Indian Wells and a fourth-round appearance in Miami.

Returning home to Charleston, Navarro reached the third round to kick off her clay season. She then made her way to Roland Garros, where she achieved another milestone by advancing to her first Grand Slam fourth round.

On grass, Navarro’s momentum carried her to a semifinal finish in Bad Homburg, before she went on to set a new personal Grand Slam best at Wimbledon, reaching the quarterfinals. Shortly after Wimbledon, Navarro joined Pegula, Collins, Gauff and Krawczyk at the 2024 Olympics, representing the USA for the first time in her career and advancing to the third round.

Continuing to outperform herself, the summer hard court season brought Navarro even more success, starting with semifinal appearances in Toronto and Monterrey. She capped her remarkable season with a standout performance at the US Open, advancing to her first Grand Slam semifinal and showcasing her undeniable talent on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Following the US Open, Navarro broke into the Top 10 for the first time in her career, ending the year ranked World No. 8. Her 2024 season has set the stage for future success, and she is ready to compete for her hometown crowd once again at the 2025 Credit One Charleston Open.

Paula Badosa – World No. 12

WTA’s Comeback Player of the Year Paula Badosa reestablished herself as a force to be reckoned with during the 2024 season.

After being sidelined by a back injury that cut her 2023 season short following Wimbledon, the former World No. 2 showcased her resilience and determination in a standout return to tour.

Badosa’s comeback gained traction during the clay season, when she advanced to the fourth round in Rome and the third round at Roland Garros. She kept up her momentum on grass, reaching the Round of 16 at Wimbledon.

The pinnacle of her return came during the summer hard-court season. Just weeks after Wimbledon, Badosa captured her fourth career title in DC and earned her well-deserved comeback status. 

Badosa followed up her title with a semifinal appearance in Cincinnati and matched her career-best Grand Slam result with a quarterfinal finish at the US Open. She closed out her stellar year with two more semifinal runs in Beijing and Ningbo, solidifying her place among tennis’ elite and finishing the season ranked World No. 12.

Badosa has consistently thrived on Charleston’s green clay and will return for her fifth appearance in the Charleston Open main draw in 2025.

Madison Keys – World No. 21 

2019 Charleston Open champion Madison Keys marked another successful season in 2024.

Keys picked up momentum during the clay court season, reaching the semifinals in Madrid, followed by the quarterfinals in Rome. She then found success in Strasbourg, where she claimed her eighth career title.

With a strong record on grass, Keys continued to showcase her prowess on the surface, reaching the semifinals in Eastbourne and the fourth round at Wimbledon. When the tour shifted back to hard courts, she advanced to the third round at the US Open and the fourth round in China.

Off the court, Keys topped off her exciting year by marrying her longtime partner, ATP player Bjorn Fratangelo, right here in Charleston, reuniting several players, friends and family in the Lowcountry for the special celebration.

With a rich history on Charleston’s green clay, Keys has become a fan favorite and will return to compete in the 2025 Charleston Open for the twelfth time.

Belinda Bencic – Former World No. 4

2022 Charleston Open champion Belinda Bencic recently made her return to tennis after welcoming a daughter in April. 

Bencic is steadily working her way back to top form, recently competing in ITF events and reaching the finals in a WTA 125. She is set to represent Switzerland in the United Cup at the end of the month.

With an Olympic gold medal, eight titles and one Grand Slam semifinal appearance at the US Open, the former World No. 4 is ready to make a strong comeback to tour and return to the Lowcountry for a shot at her second Charleston title. 2025 will mark Bencic’s eighth appearance on the green clay.