Iva Jovic walked away from the Charleston Open not just with a $110,370 semifinal payday, but also with a note of appreciation. The 18-year-old used her platform to praise tournament owner Ben Navarro, who fundamentally altered the event’s financial structure to match the men’s circuit. Her payout, alongside a record-breaking champion’s purse, signals a permanent shift in how female athletes expect to be compensated.
How Iva Jovic Cashed In on Equal Pay Efforts at the Charleston Open
Navarro committed $2.5 million toward player compensation for the 2026 tournament. That layout includes $2.3 million in direct on-site prize money and another $200,000 allocated to player support initiatives. Jovic, currently the youngest player in the world’s top 20 at No. 16, felt the direct impact of that investment.
She navigated a difficult draw on the green clay, eliminating Alycia Parks before outlasting Sofia Kenin 7-5, 7-5. After sweeping Anna Kalinskaya, Jovic pushed Jessica Pegula to three sets before exiting the tournament in a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 defeat.
Afterward, Jovic took to Instagram to thank the tournament and highlight the push toward better pay and recognition in women’s tennis.
“Charleston, you are special,” Jovic wrote. “Massive thank you to the wonderful staff, tournament directors, sponsors, and fans who make this tournament everything that it is. Grateful to have been a part of this event and the steps taken towards equal prize money and increasing recognition for women’s sports.”
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Jessica Pegula Secures a Record Payout Following Her Charleston Open Win
Pegula advanced past Jovic and dismantled Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-2, 6-2 in the final. Starodubtseva reached the championship match by stringing together upsets over McCartney Kessler and Madison Keys, but Pegula ended that run in straight sets. The path to the trophy required Pegula to survive three consecutive three-set victories earlier in the week over Yulia Putintseva (4-6, 6-4, 7-5), Elisabetta Cocciaretto (1-6, 6-1, 7-6(1)), and Diana Shnaider (3-6, 6-3, 6-2).
The title defense secured Pegula her second trophy of the season, following her WTA 1000 Dubai win, and a record $354,345 champion’s check. That figure is more than double last year’s payout.
During the trophy ceremony, on-court host Andrew Krasny pointed out the unprecedented prize money hike. Pegula used her platform to directly address Navarro, who also owns the Cincinnati Open.
Navarro recently funded a $260 million campus transformation for the Ohio-based tournament ahead of the 2025 season. Both of his events subsequently won Tournament of the Year honors in their respective 1000- and 500-tier divisions.
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“This tournament is really the best tournament, honestly,” Pegula said. “Thank you to Ben for helping put on this event and for upping the prize money for setting the standard very high. I think us as players really appreciate that, and it’s amazing what you’ve been doing for our sport not only here but also in Cincinnati as well.”
The expectations around pay in women’s tennis are starting to shift for good, and players are making sure the tennis world knows exactly who is writing them.
