The Charleston Open is making history! The tournament has extended its title partnership with Credit One Bank through 2031 and will offer equal prize money to women and men starting in 2026. Here’s all you need to know.
Q: What major change is coming to the Charleston Open?
A: Starting in 2026, the Charleston Open will offer equal prize money to men and women, aligning with ATP 500 events.
Q: Who is the title partner of the Charleston Open?
A: Credit One Bank has extended its partnership with the tournament through 2031.
Q: Why is this move significant?
A: The Charleston Open will be the first WTA 500 tournament to equalize prize money before the 2033 deadline set for all WTA 1000 and 500 events.
Q: How much will the prize money increase?
A: The 2026 purse will jump from $1.15 million to over $2 million to match ATP 500 standards.
Q: What is the history of the Charleston Open in promoting equity?
A: Since 1973, it has been a pioneer in women’s tennis, being the first to offer $100,000 in prize money and the first to air live on network TV.
Q: When does the Charleston Open take place?
A: The nine-day event marks the start of the WTA’s clay court season.
Q: How big is the tournament?
A: It features a 48-player singles draw, a 28-player qualifying draw, and a 16-team doubles draw, making it the largest standalone women’s tennis tournament in North America.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com