It should be a terrific WTA Charleston final. Jessica Pegula has a chance to win back-to-back titles at the event, while Starodubtseva will play in her first WTA final. As always, we here at LWOT give our prediction and analysis, but which woman do you expect to reign supreme?
WTA Charleston Final Prediction
Jessica Pegula vs Yuliia Starodubtseva
Head-to-head: First meeting
Pegula’s route to the final has been among the most dramatic of the season. The 2024 US Open runner-up won her matches against Yuliia Putintseva, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Diana Shnaider, and Iva Jovic in the deciding set. By contrast, Starodubtseva only dropped one set in triumphs over Shuai Zhang, Ekaterine Gorgodze, Renata Zarazua, McCartney Kessler, and Madison Keys.
Starodubtseva’s semifinal victory against Keys was a standout performance. The Ukrainian consistently had the 2025 Australian Open winner on the back foot and was not intimidated by her power. Pegula will present a different challenge. Although a clean hitter, the defending champion does not strike the ball as hard as Keys, but excels more with her athleticism and return. That means Starodubtseva will undoubtedly have to work harder to win points.
Despite Starodubtseva’s terrific level in the previous rounds, Pegula is backed to prevail. The pressure of competing in a maiden WTA final often leads to a drop in performance. That risk is heightened for the world No. 89 because of the Charleston Open being prestigious and facing a top player. Pegula’s ability to raise her game when it matters most was shown when she beat Sofia Kenin in last year’s final. The home favorite had won her previous two matches in a deciding set before that moment.
The first set will likely be crucial to Starodubtseva’s chances. Pegula has shown she can stay calm after a slow start, while the Ukrainian might panic from that position in her first final.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Nain Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images