The clay-court season is underway with the 2026 Charleston Open, with many first-round matches already concluded. However, as is often the case with marquee tournaments, the spotlight has extended beyond the court to the pre-event player parties. The WTA 500 event was no exception, as defending champion Jessica Pegula, the Spaniard Paula Badosa, Iva Jovic, and other notable names exuded elegance with their unique style.
Jessica Pegula, Paula Badosa, Iva Jovic, and Others Exude Grace at Charleston Open Players’ Party
Pegula arrives in strong form, having reached at least the quarterfinals in each of her last nine tournaments and also triumphing at the WTA 1000 event in Dubai. As noted, she enters the tournament as the defending champion and, most importantly, as the top seed. Additionally, her recent quarterfinal run in Miami is likely to lift her spirits ahead of her campaign at the WTA 500 event.
The 32-year-old secured her maiden clay-court title at the event last year, defeating fellow American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 7-5 in the final. The victory carried added significance for Pegula, who spent a couple of years training on Daniel Island in her early 20s.
Ahead of the on-court action, however, Pegula took time to unwind at the players’ party, where she was joined by her husband, Taylor Gahagen, who seldom appears on her social media posts.
Gahagen has built a strong foundation in business, completing his undergraduate studies in business administration at SUNY Fredonia before earning an MBA from Canisius University. He went on to hold key leadership positions at Pegula Sports and Entertainment and currently works as a managing partner at Agarwood Wealth and Dragos Capital.
The 10-time tour titlist opted for a relaxed layered look, including a white top, oversized button-down shirt worn open, and wide-leg jeans. Meanwhile, Gahagen opted for a crisp white crewneck t-shirt, a tan yet stunning jacket, and slim-fit chinos.
Apart from Pegula, another notable star in the evening was the Spanish player Badosa, who stunned in a sophisticated all-black ensemble. Meanwhile, rising American talent Jovic sported a vibrant red skirt, a black leather jacket, and beige ballet flats.
Moreover, players like Diana Shnaider, Belinda Bencic, Donna Vekić, and Eva Lys also graced the pre-tournament party.
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Check out another clip from the event below:
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Pegula is set to open her campaign in the second round against world No. 72 Yulia Putintseva. Meanwhile, Iva Jovic will take on Alycia Parks in her second-round clash.
As for the Spaniard Paula Badosa, who has struggled to regain rhythm amid recent injury concerns, she will aim to reset her campaign when she faces Kayla Day in the opening round.
