Celebrating 25 Years of Tennis Excellence: The Credit One Charleston Open
As the Credit One Charleston Open celebrates its 25th year in Charleston, it’s a moment to reflect on the tournament’s remarkable journey and how it has grown into one of the premier events on the Hologic WTA Tour calendar. Since its relocation from Hilton Head Island in 2001 to the iconic Family Circle Tennis Center (now known as Credit One Stadium at LTP Daniel Island), this world-class event has evolved into a cornerstone tennis tournament in the United States. Known for its signature Har-Tru green clay courts—a rarity on the WTA tour—the tournament officially kicks off the annual clay court season, blending world-class competition with the unique Southern Charm of Charleston.
Recognized as the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year for 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Credit One Charleston Open has been honored by the players for the past three years for its outstanding organization, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic fan engagement. This award reflects the tournament’s significant impact on the tennis world, both on and off the court.
The Move to Charleston: A New Chapter in Tennis History
The Credit One Charleston Open, which began in 1973 on Hilton Head Island, relocated to Charleston in 2001 after 28 successful years. This move was made possible through a groundbreaking partnership between the City of Charleston and Family Circle magazine – the first title sponsor in women’s tennis to collaborate with municipalities to build a state-of-the-art facility. The Family Circle Tennis Center elevated the tournament to new heights, providing Charleston with one of the finest tennis venues in the Southeast and creating a platform to attract top-tier talent and deliver an unparalleled fan experience.
In 2015, the tournament rebranded as the Volvo Car Open after forming a partnership with Volvo Car of North America, coinciding with the establishment of Volvo’s first U.S. plant in South Carolina. Ben Navarro acquired Charleston Tennis LLC in 2018, the operator of the tennis center and stadium and in 2021, Credit One Bank became the title sponsor, marking a new era as the Credit One Charleston Open.
The 2022 renovation of the city-owned venue Credit One Stadium significantly transformed the tournament experience for our players and fans, expanding seating capacity from 7,500 to 11,000 and introducing modern features including 16 climate-controlled suites, new concessions, additional restrooms, and a 75,000-square-foot Stage House. This state-of-the-art facility now includes amenities for players, media, and VIP guests, solidifying the event’s status as a premier destination on the Hologic WTA Tour.
A Legacy of Champions: Celebrating Tennis Greats
Over the past 25 years, the Credit One Charleston Open has hosted some of the biggest names in women’s tennis, becoming a showcase for incredible champions, thrilling upsets, and unforgettable matches. It has also served as a stepping stone for rising stars like Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys, who made their mark in Charleston before achieving global success.
The tournament has celebrated the achievements of legendary champions, led by Chris Evert, the most decorated player with eight titles (1974–78, 1981, 1984–85). Many of these victories, along with those of Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova—each with four titles (Graf: 1986–87, 1989, 1993; Navratilova: 1982–83, 1988, 1990)—took place during the tournament’s Hilton Head Island era, further elevating its reputation for excellence.
More recently, Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic (2022) joined the list of champions, alongside former World No. 1s Arantxa Sánchez Vicario (1996 in Hilton Head Island), Jennifer Capriati (2001), Venus Williams (2004), Caroline Wozniacki (2011), Serena Williams (2008, 2012-13) and Angelique Kerber (2015). These players have not only left their mark on the event but also highlighted its consistent ability to attract and retain the sport’s best talent.
The tournament has also inspired a new generation of WTA professionals from Charleston, including Emma Navarro (current World No. 8) and Shelby Rogers (career high World No. 30), who grew up attending the event and went on to represent Charleston on the global tennis stage.
At the Credit One Charleston Open, our storied history and legacy of champions define us as a premier event, where elite competition meets a unique blend of tradition and excellence.
Beyond Tennis: A Dynamic Fan Experience
We’re proud to offer more than just world-class tennis – the tournament is a weeklong celebration of sport, culture, and community. Fans can connect with the game through player meet-and-greets, interactive clinics, and engaging off-court activities that create lasting memories. To make the tournament accessible to all, juniors aged 16 and under receive free general admission with a ticketed adult, while military members and their families enjoy complimentary tickets for select sessions.
Giving back and being part of the Charleston community is also a core part of our mission. Our annual pro-am has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for communities and charities in need and the Special Olympics Clinic brings together WTA players and community members to support meaningful causes and promote inclusivity, making a tangible impact both on and off the court. Our longstanding partnership with Courting Kids provides tennis instruction and equipment to underserved youth in the Charleston-area, and allows kids to meet WTA tennis pros up-close each year at a special clinic held during the tournament.
Charleston’s vibrant culture is at the heart of the event, with local food vendors, live music, and art displays that showcase the city’s unique charm. These experiences, combined with tennis action, make the Credit One Charleston Open an unforgettable event for all who attend.
The Legacy and Future of the Credit One Charleston Open
As the tournament marks 25 years in Charleston, the Credit One Charleston Open has solidified itself as much more than a tennis event. It fosters community and belonging, creating a space where players and fans experience the magic of tennis in a truly unforgettable setting. The tournament has also significantly boosted Charleston’s tourism industry, drawing visitors from around the globe, providing a weeklong showcase of Charleston on Tennis Channel and our worldwide broadcast partners and enhancing the city’s reputation as a premier destination for global sports events.
Looking forward, the Credit One Charleston Open shows no signs of slowing down. With a renewed commitment to innovation and excellence, the tournament’s leadership continues to adapt to the evolving tennis landscape. Fans can expect enhanced experiences, state-of-the-art facilities, and an ever-growing roster of top-tier talent competing for one of the most coveted titles in women’s tennis.
This milestone 25th year in Charleston is both a celebration of our event’s rich background and a glimpse into its promising future. As we continue to make history, inspire rising stars, and deliver world-class tennis, the Credit One Charleston Open remains a mainstay of the sport and a beloved tradition for players and fans alike.
As we look ahead to the next 25 years, one thing is certain: the Credit One Charleston Open will continue to be a place where history is made, champions are celebrated, and the magic of tennis comes alive.
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