Renewed and rejuvenated: Tournament welcomes fans back with open arms – and new amenities
A drone overhead view of the new Credit One Stadium. (Photo: Credit One Charleston Open)
For the first time since 2019, the Credit Open Charleston Open is open to the general public. The atmosphere will be buzzing – on and off the court – in Daniel Island.
We’ll be honest: We missed you.
Over 1,000 days since fans packed the stands on Daniel Island for world-class women’s tennis, you’re back! And we couldn’t be happier to have you.
Monday marks the start of main draw play for the 2022 Credit One Charleston Open and the grand opening of the new Credit One Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that has been expanded to 11,000 seats and features upgraded amenities for both fans and players alike.
“It’s amazing,” said world No.8 Karolina Pliskova, the Czech player competing here for the first time since 2013. “The center court, that space, it’s much better than some bigger tournaments [in tennis]. I’m surprised with all the people here supporting [this weekend].”
Pliskova was citing the crowds for Family Weekend, which saw upwards of 15,000 fans over two days come onto the grounds of the LTP Daniel Island Tennis Center, setting the tone for a magical year to come.
Pliskova is joined by top seed Aryna Sabalenka, No.2 Paula Badosa and No.4 Ons Jabeur as four members of the world’s top 10 make their case at the WTA 500-level event, which is celebrating 50 years of tennis in 2022.
Nineteen Americans are set to feature on the Har-Tru green clay this week, including No.6 seed Jessica Pegula, No.9 Madison Keys and No.13 Sloane Stephens.
Keys (2019) and Stephens (2016) are the lone former champions in the field, after the surprise winner from 2021, Veronika Kudermetova, withdrew Monday due to illness.
Charleston native Shelby Rogers brings some of her career-best tennis to the Lowcountry having reached a best-ever ranking of No. 36 in the world earlier this year.
She plays Monday night in Credit One Stadium, while two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and No.15 seed Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. will play this afternoon.
The expanded and renovated stadium has 16 new suites, all new concessions, more bathrooms and a 35,000-square-foot Stage House with a partial roof, which includes a modern player lounge, locker room, gym and training facilities.
While dazzling women’s tennis will take center stage throughout the week, off-court activities are a must, including live music, local food options and daily talk shows with Hall of Famers Tracy Austin and Pam Shriver, as well as Olympic gold medalist Bethanie Mattek-Sands at the Match Point Bar & Grill’s Feature Stage.
While many tennis legacies have lived on at the Charleston Open, the beloved Althea Gibson Club Court was re-dedicated with a South Carolina State Resolution on Saturday for the local legend.
The past will also be honored during championship weekend, with former champions Rosie Casals, Jelena Jankovic and Mary Pierce – among many more – set to return.
We welcome them back – and we welcome you back. Now, for the most famous two words in tennis: “Ready? Play.”
