Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-2, 6-2 to retain her title at the 2026 Charleston Open [1].
This victory solidifies Pegula's dominance at the South Carolina event and maintains her momentum within the WTA tour. By defending her championship, she reinforces her status as a top contender on the clay courts of the U.S.
The final match in Charleston saw Pegula control the pace from the start. She utilized a powerful baseline game to keep Starodubtseva on the defensive throughout both sets. The final score of 6-2, 6-2 [1] reflects a decisive performance that left little room for an upset.
This win marks the second Charleston title for Pegula [2]. Her ability to repeat as champion in 2026 [3] highlights a level of consistency and adaptability to the specific conditions of the Charleston venue. The match concluded with Pegula successfully defending her ranking points and the trophy.
Starodubtseva fought to break Pegula's rhythm, but the American's precision proved too great. The match was a display of tactical superiority, a hallmark of Pegula's recent form in high-stakes finals.
Pegula's second title in the city is a significant milestone in her 2026 season [3]. It serves as a benchmark for her performance as she moves forward into the remainder of the tennis calendar.
“Jessica Pegula defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-2, 6-2 to retain her title.”
Pegula's successful title defense in Charleston demonstrates her ability to maintain a high level of performance under the pressure of being a defending champion. Winning two titles at the same event suggests a strong psychological and technical affinity for the Charleston courts, which may provide a strategic advantage in future clay-court competitions.
