Charleston Open

A look back at the 2025 Charleston Open

May 05, 2025

Florida Tennis Magazine had the opportunity to interview the following three Florida residents, Danielle Collins, Madison Keys, and Jessica Pegula during the 2025 Credit One Charleston Open.

I was able to ask Danielle Collins about her newest rescue dog named Crash Marino Collins. The injured puppy that Danielle rescued from a street in Miami after Crash was hit by a car is happily adjusting to his new home with a new trainer in St. Petersburg, Florida. Danielle was proud to report, “Crash has a lot of puppy energy and wakes up between one and two am wanting to play. We are training him to be the best citizen possible.” In addition, Crash is healing from his stitches while enjoying the serene beach views. When Danielle takes time out from her busy WTA schedule, she enjoys visiting the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. This museum has an unparalleled body of work, from iconic melting clocks to imaginative visual illusions, subconscious imagery, and avant-garde symbols from the Spanish artist Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dali Domenech. Another must-see stop in St. Pete that Danielle suggested is the family-run shop Violet Stone Pizza.

For Madison Keys, she explained the benefits of living and training in Orlando. She said the USTA training facility has European red clay courts and “a state-of-the-art fitness center that helps me feel reinvigorated.”

Above: 2025 Charleston Open champion Jessica Pegula. Photo credits: Charleston Tennis LLC.

I also seized the opportunity to discuss tennis tactics with Jessica Pegula. I asked Jessica if she had increased the speed of her second serve and she replied, “Have you noticed an increase in speed.” I said a resounding “Yes.” Jessica stated, “I have been working diligently on getting the speed up in both my first and second serves.” Moreover, Jessica elaborated that she is practicing with her coach on "using my backhand slice as a tool with opponents that do not like it as much." This backhand slice tactic is one of the reasons Jessica Pegula captured her first clay court title at the 2025 Credit One Charleston Open, prevailing over Sofia Kenin, 6-3, 7-5, in an unusual all-American final on Daniel Island.

This year, the Credit One Charleston Open is celebrating 25 years on Daniel Island while keeping the event’s original southern charm. In 2018, Ben Navarro acquired the sanction of the WTA tournament along with operations of the LTP Daniel Island Tennis Center and Credit One Stadium. Mr. Navarro announced the tournament will increase the prize money to match that of the ATP 500 events. These million-dollar-plus moves will make the Charleston Open the first WTA 500 tournament to offer equal prize money for both male and female athletes. Tournament Director Bob Moran and staff strive to elevate fans' and players’ experiences during the Credit One Charleston Open.

Above: Chief Opportunity and Marketing Officer for Post Courier Chris Zoeller, Jeff Hartsell, Dora Hartsell and Tournament Director Bob Moran. Photo credits: Charleston Tennis LLC.

Furthermore, Bob paid homage to Jeff Hartsell with an elegant on-court ceremony to celebrate Jeff’s 40 years of service. Jeff retired as a sports editor from The Post and Courier, the South’s oldest daily newspaper. Jeff elevated the sport of tennis by his steadfast coverage and professionalism. Two years ago, Jeff had a heart attack while covering the Credit One Charleston Open. Nevertheless, he continued covering the event and has made a full recovery. During the ceremony, he received artwork illustrating the Credit One Stadium, signed by multiple players including 2025 Australian Open Champion and Orlando resident Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Ons Jabeur, and Sloane Stephens. Jeff Hartsell is a wonderful example of taking pride in one’s work and a commitment to excellence.

As the tournament is reimagined, it was a nice pause by tournament organizers to honor past journalistic leaders. When tournaments can safeguard history and maintain items and sites, the whole community is elevated. Bob and his talented team understand this well.