Pegula survives Kenin's second-set fightback to win Charleston Open

The first all-American final in Charleston in 35 years looked set to go all the way, but Pegula battled from four games down to clinch a 6-3 7-5 victory.

Pegula started strongly, earning an early break, but was pegged back by 2020 Australian Open champion Kenin immediately as the pair traded blows early on.

And after levelling the contest at 3-3, top seed Pegula claimed the next three games to go within touching distance of the title.

Kenin, however, responded brilliantly in the second, producing three consecutive breaks of serve as the contest was seemingly destined to go the distance.

But Pegula, who will overtake Coco Gauff as the American number one when she moves up to third in the WTA rankings next week, showcased her powers of recovery, saving three set points before coming from 5-1 down to win the tie-break, sealing her eighth career title and first on clay.

and it's her FIRST clay court title @JPegula | #CharlestonOpen pic.twitter.com/nFeaUwuTxy

— wta (@WTA) April 6, 2025

Pegula has been in fine form this season, with this her fourth final in 2025. The 31-year-old has collected two titles, having triumphed at the Austin Open last month.

The Miami Open runner-up has now won 17 of her last 19 matches.