| photo by Diane Elayne Dees |
The Credit One Charleston Open, North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament. is committing $2.5 million to players this year. This figure includes $2.3 million in prize money, and $200,000 in player benefits programs. A WTA 500 tournament, the Charleston Open is the first stand-alone 500 event to offer equal prize money.
Tournament Director Bob Moran commented that “Charleston’s investment represents more than a single tournament milestone. It reflects where the WTA Tour is headed. When we invest in players at this level, we’re investing in the collective future of the tour–in opportunity, in growth, and in the next generation of athletes who will shape the game. The changes happening today are creating a stronger foundation for what’s next, and the Credit One Charleston Open is proud to be part of that momentum.”
Formerly known as the Volvo Car Open, and–for many years before that–the Family Circle Cup, the Credit One Charleston Open is no stranger to innovation. Established in 1973, the Family Circle Cup was the first tournament to offer $100,000 in prize money, and the first women’s tournament to receive television coverage. Rosie Casals won the singles title that year, defeating Nancy Richey in the final. The event was held on Hilton Head Island for 28 years, then was moved to Daniel Island in 2001.
Always a very fan-friendly tournament, this year, the Charleston Open launched the Fan Hub, a central destination for all on-site activities and experiences.
Defending champion Jessica Pegula, who is also a member of the WTA Players’ Council, also commented on the prize money announcement: “Seeing a tournament like Charleston commit to equal prize money matters. It shows that the work we put in and the level we compete at are being recognized. When tournaments continue to invest equally, it sends a clear message to current players and the next generation about where the sport is head
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| photos by Diane Elayne Dees |
