Charleston Open: Jessica Pegula Ousts Defending Champion Danielle Collins

Jessica Pegula has never lost to Danielle Collins in five previous matches; however, it looked like a possibility in the second set of the Charleston Open quarterfinals when she was down 1-6 and 0-2.  Collins played lights-out tennis up until that point, so it was difficult for Pegula to get into the match.

The third game in the second set proved pivotal.  It was the moment when Pegula began climbing out of the deficit with better serving and shotmaking.

Just 👏 Like 👏 That 👏

Top Seed Jessica Pegula advances to the semifinals after beating Collins 1-6, 6-3, 6-0.#CharlestonOpen pic.twitter.com/PUpKKPSKU2

— wta (@WTA) April 4, 2025

Pegula is the top seed in the tournament, and this was a tough quarterfinal matchup because Collins played so well in Charleston last year fresh off of her Miami Open win.

Jessica Pegula is one of several Americans left in the singles draw, with Amanda Anisimova and Emma Navarro battling it out later today, and Sofia Kenin and Anna Kalinskaya.  Also, Qinwen Zheng and Ekaterina Alexandrova remain.

Jessica Pegula Has Never Won The Charleston Open

Throughout her career, it is surprising that Pegula has never won the Charleston Open.  She has never even reached the final.  This is her third consecutive semifinal appearance.  Her American comrades, Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys, and Danielle Collins, have enjoyed WTA title victories on Charleston’s green clay.  Is it Jessica’s turn in 2025?

Pegula’s clay court game is gaining more form each day after a quick adjustment from Saturday’s Miami Open final on the hard court against Aryna Sabalenka.

Jessica Pegula is not playing doubles in Charleston, which is somewhat surprising given that she and Ashlyn Krueger have teamed up several times this year.   Krueger also played singles in Charleston.

Pegula will play the winner of the Zheng and Alexandrova match in Saturday’s semifinals.