Thrilling Matches Expected at WTA Charleston Open Day 1

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Day 1 of the prestigious WTA Charleston Open is set to feature exciting matchups, including a showdown between American players Bernarda Pera and Sofia Kenin. The tournament, known for kicking off the women’s clay-court season, runs from March 29 to April 6, 2025 at the newly renovated Credit One Stadium.

Pera, who holds a slight advantage with a head-to-head record of 1-0 against Kenin, aims to continue her strong clay performances. Meanwhile, Kenin, the former French Open finalist, enters the match looking to recover from a recent 0-6, 0-6 defeat to Coco Gauff at the Miami Open.

The outcome of these first-round matches, particularly that of Vera Gracheva against Katie Dart and the clash between Irina Begu and Veronika Kudermetova, will be highly anticipated. Gracheva’s fourth-round appearance at a recent tournament demonstrates her potential on clay, though she has been inconsistent in her performances. In contrast, Dart has struggled to find her footing on this surface throughout her career.

Begu brings her wealth of clay experience into her match against Kudermetova, who, at just 21 years old, has been ascending the rankings after a strong showing in the ITF circuit. Although Begu is no longer in her prime, her clever play could challenge the young star’s adaptation to clay.

As the tournament opens, reigning champion Danielle Collins, who claimed victory last year against Daria Kasatkina, is also a notable competitor, having been awarded a bye in the first round.

Jessica Pegula, the tournament’s top seed following her runner-up finish at the Miami Open, is highlighted in the draw and awaits the winner between Heather Watson and Iryna Shymanovich in the Round of 32. Pegula’s potential encounter with former champion Jelena Ostapenko could add to the tournament’s intrigue.

Madison Keys, the second seed and Australian Open winner, is also expected to face tough competition, with the possibility of battling in the early rounds against either Elisabetta Cocciaretto or Caroline Dolehide.

Anticipated matchups on Day 1 include Zhang Shuai against Lucia Bronzetti and Maria Sakkari versus Marina Stakusic. The excitement surrounding the Charleston Open underscores its status as a historic event in women’s tennis, being the oldest all-women competition in the USA.

The action is set to kick off with qualifying matches on March 29, leading into the main draw starting March 31, culminating in both singles and doubles finals on April 6. WTA TV remains the designated streaming platform, ensuring fans can follow every moment of the competition.