In 2001, an eight-year-old with a dream to play like Steffi Graf stepped onto the Charleston courts as a ballgirl. That dream was to become a professional tennis player. Little did she know that almost a decade later, she’d step back onto those same courts– this time to compete in the very tournament she grew up attending. Her name is Shelby Rogers.
We’ve had the honor of witnessing countless memorable moments on our green clay courts over the years. But today, we’re reflecting on the career of one of Charleston’s very own. A native of the Lowcountry, Shelby has shown true grit on the court, proving herself to be a formidable opponent and fierce competitor, while also becoming a beloved face to many in the tennis community. If it wasn’t her powerful groundstrokes or her infectious spirit that captivated fans, it was her love for the game, her humility and the way she represented Charleston with grace and pride.
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As Shelby starts the next chapter of her life off the court, we want to honor the legacy she’s left on the court. Here are just a few memorable moments from her career:
- In 2016, she reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at Roland-Garros where she faced tennis legend Garbiñe Muguruza.
- Shelby has played on Charleston’s green clay 13 times throughout her career, with her a standout moment being reaching the 2017 quarterfinals.
- She was presented with the “Player Who Makes a Difference Award” in 2018 from the Volvo Car Open (now Credit One Charleston Open) at the S.C. Junior Tennis Foundation’s gala.
- In 2020, she competed against Petra Kvitova in the US Open, saving four match points to reach the Grand Slam’s quarterfinals
- In 2021, she defeated top-seed and World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty at the US Open.
- The South Carolina Tennis Foundation will induct Shelby into the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame, Class of 2024 later this year.
“Shelby Rogers will always be a cherished member of our Charleston tennis family. Her journey from a ball crew member on Daniel Island to a professional tennis player competing in the same stadium is truly remarkable. Her hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport have driven her to great heights and successes,” said Bob Moran, Credit One Charleston Open Tournament Director. “While we will miss watching her on the court, she will always have a home at our tournament. Whatever she chooses to do next, we are confident she will approach it with the same wholehearted commitment that defines her every move. That’s just who Shelby is.”
Shelby, it’s been an absolute honor to see you play over the years, and we can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for the game of tennis, on and off the court. We can’t wait to cheer you on in your next phase of life.
Love always,
Charleston
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