Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro earned comfortable victories at the WTA 500 Charleston Open, advancing to the second round in their clay-swing debut. The first and fourth seeds overcame the difficult test of their first match on a new surface.
Both players had had mixed fortunes in the Sunshine Double. Navarro had only one win at Indian Wells and lost in the debut at the Miami Open, while Pegula had a more successful run, reaching the final in Miami, although she finished as runner-up behind Aryna Sabalenka.
Top seed Pegula shows her class in straight-set victory
The world No. 4 was the top favorite for the title and had an easy debut on paper against the unseeded Iryna Shymanovich (No. 215), who had come through qualifying and was playing her first WTA 500 draw.
Pegula dominated the match from start to finish. In the first set, she won 80% of the points with her first serve and 56% with her second. She also made an impact on return, winning 67% of the points on Shymanovich's serve. The American was particularly effective, taking three consecutive breaks on three opportunities and closing the first set 6-0.
At the start of the second set, Pegula again took an early break and ran off eight consecutive games in her favor. However, Shymanovich began showing she could compete with the world No. 4, breaking back and later, with a strong service game, she leveled at 2-2. After exchanged breaks in the 6th and 7th games, the Belarusian was down 3-4 on serve to stay in the match. Pegula raised her level in the pressure moments and sealed the victory 6-0, 6-3 in one hour and 33 minutes.
Match Statistics Pegula vs. Shymanovich
| Pegula | VS | Shymanovich |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 3 | Aces | 0 |
| 4 | Double Faults | 3 |
| 60% (32/53) | 1st Service Percentage | 56% (23/41) |
| 72% (23/32) | 1st Service Points Won | 30% (7/23) |
| 52% (13/25) | 2nd Service Points Won | 35% (7/20) |
| 50% (2/4) | Break Points Saved | 0% (0/6) |
| 75% (6/8) | Service Games | 14% (1/7) |
| Return | ||
| 70% (16/23) | 1st Return Points Won | 28% (9/32) |
| 65% (13/20) | 2nd Return Points Won | 48% (12/25) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 1h 12m | Match Duration | 1h 12m |
Navarro survives Baptiste's challenge
Navarro (No. 11) had lost in the opener at the Miami Open to Emma Raducanu in a tight match 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-7(3), a tournament where more was expected from the 8th seed. This loss also cost her departure from the top-10 after almost 7 months. She faced compatriot Hailey Baptiste (No. 90), a player she had beaten twice before in ITF tournaments, but they hadn't met in WTA-level events.
Read also
Baptiste did not let herself be intimidated by a higher-ranked opponent and kept the match close for most of the time. She secured the first break of the match, taking a 3-2 lead, but Navarro quickly recovered to level the score. Both players were solid on serve, but Baptiste conceded a few break points to Navarro when serving at 4-5. The 23-year-old took advantage of her third set point to take the lead in the match with a 6-4 scoreline.
The start of the second set wasn't easy for Navarro, as she faced four break points right away but managed to come through unscathed. Baptiste seemed closer to a break, but Navarro showed her experience and took control when Baptiste was playing her best tennis. One break in the 4th game was enough for Navarro to hold on to her service. The world No. 11 had incredible pressure resistance, saving 12 out of 12 break points throughout the set, and closed the victory 6-4, 6-3.
Match Statistics Baptiste vs. Navarro
| Baptiste | VS | Navarro |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 5 | Aces | 2 |
| 3 | Double Faults | 2 |
| 58% (33/57) | 1st Service Percentage | 64% (45/70) |
| 64% (21/33) | 1st Service Points Won | 67% (30/45) |
| 54% (13/24) | 2nd Service Points Won | 60% (15/25) |
| 57% (4/7) | Break Points Saved | 92% (12/13) |
| 67% (6/9) | Service Games | 90% (9/10) |
| Return | ||
| 33% (15/45) | 1st Return Points Won | 36% (12/33) |
| 40% (10/25) | 2nd Return Points Won | 46% (11/24) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 1h 35m | Match Duration | 1h 35m |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
