Charleston Open announces wild cards; new partnerships with non-profits and community organizations
Mar 31, 2024
The Credit One Charleston Open, the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America, has announced its main draw wild cards ahead of the highly anticipated 52nd event, March 30 - April 7 on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina. The tournament has awarded wild cards to former World No. 1 and 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki, World No. 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, Charleston native Shelby Rogers and 2023 Wimbledon girls singles champion Clervie Ngounoue.
“We are excited to have an impressive lineup of wild cards this year, including former World No. 1 and past champion Caroline Wozniacki, Brazil's Top 20 trailblazer Beatriz Haddad Maia, and the incredibly promising American young talent, Clervie Ngounoue,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. “Caroline's return to the courts in Charleston adds a layer of anticipation and nostalgia for our fans, while Beatriz's breakthrough performances on the tour last year signal she's a significant contender. Clervie represents the bright future of tennis at just 17 years old, and we can't wait to see her compete on this grand stage. Their commitments emphasize our tournament's reputation as a platform where legends, current champions, and future stars converge, promising a week of exciting tennis action for our fans.”
“Welcoming Shelby Rogers back to the courts at an event that holds special significance for her as a local player, means a great deal to our tournament and our fans,” said Moran. “Shelby's determination to return to the game she loves is truly inspiring. It's a moment of pride for us to see her compete in her hometown, and we look forward to supporting her throughout the tournament.”
Source: Credit One Charleston Open
The Credit One Charleston Open, also recently announced partnerships with nonprofit organizations to support community initiatives to bring awareness to causes in alignment with the tournament’s mission. These include their Teacher Appreciation Day, Kindness Wins Pro-Am, Special Olympics Clinic, and volunteer groups including members from United Sports, All Star Booster Club, Pier Booster Club of Charleston, Competitive Champions of the Carolinas, Be the Change Charleston, Bridges of Hope and Delancey Street Foundation.
The tournament also gave more than $20,000 in ticket donations to local nonprofit organizations including the American Cancer Society, East Cooper Meals on Wheels, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Lowcountry Youth Tennis Association, MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.
In partnership with Credit One Bank, the tournament is pledging to grow the game of tennis by offering all juniors – 16 and under – free general admission access to the tournament with a ticketed adult. In addition, all active duty, veteran and retired military members and their families will receive complimentary tickets for all night sessions, as well as semifinals and finals.
“This year, our commitment goes beyond the court, focusing on empowering women and girls, fostering education, and nurturing the growth of tennis within our community,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment. “Our efforts in providing additional access to the tournament aim to inspire, engage, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we touch.”
The Credit One Charleston Open has been a pioneer in women’s professional sports since 1973, paving the path for female tennis players to receive equal recognition, respect and pay in the sport. Originally held on Hilton Head Island, the event moved to Charleston in 2001 and is played on Daniel Island at the LTP Daniel Island tennis center, home to the Credit One Stadium.
Tickets can be purchased online at creditonecharlestonopen.com or by calling (843) 856-7900. For additional information, please email tickets@charlestontennisllc.com or visit creditonecharlestonopen.com.
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Source: Credit One Charleston Open. Photo (of Beatriz Haddad Maia): Hameltion via Wikipedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)