Jessica Pegula was thrilled to pocket $354,345 after winning the Charleston Open for the second time in a row. During her speech, the American thanked Emma Navarro’s father Ben – the tournament’s owner – for the unprecedented prize money hike.
Jessica Pegula Lifts 2026 Charleston Open Trophy For the Second Time
Pegula was forced to push herself to the limit at this year’s Charleston Open. In her quest to defend her WTA 500 title, she survived challenges from Yulia Putintseva (4-6, 6-4, 7-5), Elisabetta Cocciaretto (1-6, 6-1, 7-6(2)), Diana Shnaider (3-6, 6-3, 6-3), and Iva Jovic (6-4, 5-7, 6-3).
In the final, she faced an inspired Yuliia Starodubtseva, who reached the showdown with victories against the likes of McCartney Kessler and Madison Keys. Pegula, however, aced the title clash hurdle, beating the Ukrainian opponent 6-2, 6-2 to clinch her second trophy at the tournament.
This was also the American’s second title of the season, having won the WTA 1000 Dubai Tennis Championship in February.
Ahead of her victory speech in Charleston, host Andrew Krasny reminded her that she was taking home a staggering $354,345 check, courtesy of the tournament owner, Ben Navarro’s prize money pledge.
“I think it was last year on Tennis Channel you had mentioned you had heard there was a buzz that the prize money was going to be increased, and you asked, ‘Why didn’t they do it last year?’ Well, guess what? It’s more than double this year, and we couldn’t be prouder of you,” Krasny said.
Pegula smilingly responded, “Yes, that is true, Andrew, thanks. I didn’t forget.”
In 2026, the tournament significantly increased its financial commitment to competitors to match with the ATP. Ben Navarro ensured a total of $2.5 million toward player compensation, with $2.3 million distributed as on-site prize money and an additional $200,000 dedicated to player support initiatives. Pegula spoke highly of the tournament and Navarro’s father, who also owns the Cincinnati Open.
“This tournament is really the best tournament, honestly. We enjoy it so much. 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,” she said.
MORE: Emma Navarro’s Billionaire Parents’ $260 Million Cincinnati Open Move
In 2025, Ben Navarro inaugurated a fully reimagined campus after a $260 million transformation at the Cincinnati Open. The event was named the ATP and WTA 1000 Tournament of the Year. The Charleston Open, meanwhile, won the 2025 WTA 500 Tournament of the Year award.
