The Charleston Open Shocks the Tennis World with Groundbreaking Prize Money Announcement!
In a groundbreaking move that has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, the Charleston Open has set a new standard by committing to pay prize money equivalent to ATP 500 events starting in 2026. This historic decision makes the Charleston Open the first WTA 500 tournament to offer equal prize money well ahead of the 2033 deadline.
Credit One Bank, the title partner of the Charleston Open, has solidified its partnership with the tournament through 2031, ensuring that WTA players will be fairly rewarded for their incredible talent and dedication. This announcement marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable future for tennis.
The Charleston Open, known for being the largest women’s only tennis tournament in North America, has continuously strived for excellence. Not only is it the first tournament of the clay swing on the WTA tour, but it has also been recognized as the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year for the third consecutive year.
The 2025 Charleston Open witnessed an all-American final for the first time in three decades, with Jessica Pegula emerging victorious. Pegula’s win, coupled with her recent success at the ATX Open, has propelled her to the top of American women’s tennis, reaching a career-high World No.3 ranking.
Following the prize money announcement, Pegula expressed her excitement, highlighting the significance of the Charleston Open’s decision. She believes that setting the tone for equal prize money will inspire other tournaments to follow suit, ushering in a new era of fairness and equality in tennis.
With the total prize pool for the Charleston Open expected to increase to approximately $1.15 million from next year onwards, the tournament is poised to align itself with the prestigious ATP 500 events. This move aims to bridge the gap between men’s and women’s tennis prize money, setting a new standard for gender equality in sports.
As the tennis world applauds the Charleston Open for its progressive stance, all eyes are now on the upcoming editions of the tournament to see how this historic decision will impact the future of women’s tennis.