Are you ready for the all-American clash in Charleston? After being halted in the semis in the previous two editions, Jessica Pegula has finally managed to reach the final at the WTA 500 green-clay event. She will now face the 2020 AO champion, Sofia Kenin, in the epic grand finale. This is the first all-American final in Charleston since Martina Navratilova (who became a US citizen in 1981) beat Jennifer Capriati in 1990! Pegula has been one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour this season, but Kenin has reached the final without dropping a set in the tournament. Can she now overcome her last hurdle?

Jessica Pegula vs Sofia Kenin: Preview

Jessica Pegula has already clinched a title this year at the ATX Open. Other than that, she also reached the final at the Adelaide International and the Miami Open, where she was defeated by the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in straight sets 5-7,2-6. Here, in Charleston, the 30-year-old American has already faced some tough challenges. Pegula will be entering this contest after her 6-2,2-6,7-5 triumph over Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in the SF.

After that grueling 2 hours and 20 minutes battle, the 31-year-old said, “Played a good first set, she comes back in the second, and then, usually, I tend to lose the third. So glad I was able to flip that script today.”

Pegula’s opponent, Sofia Kenin, on the flipside, has also made a couple of deep runs this season. She reached the QFs in Hobart and Dubai. But her performance in Charleston has truly been exceptional so far. She defeated in-form Swiss star, Belinda Bencic, in the R32 and then overcame Daria Kasatkina (AUS) in the next round before outclassing Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya in the QF. In the SF, Kenin didn’t have to put in much effort as her compatriot, Amanda Anisimova, was forced to retire from that match owing to a right hip injury. Kenin was leading 5-2 in the first set when Anisimova decided to give her a walkover.

Pegula vs Kenin: Head-to-Head

Jessica Pegula has crossed paths with Sofia Kenin five times in her career so far. Currently, she leads the H2H record against the 26-year-old by a 3-2 margin.

• 2024 US Open R64: Pegula 7-6(4),6-3.
• 2021 Roland Garros R32: Kenin 4-6,6-1,6-4.
• 2021 Melbourne 500 Yarra Valley R16: Kenin 5-7,7-5,6-2.
• 2018 Quebec City SF: Pegula 4-6,6-2,6-4.
• 2016 Dothan R32: Pegula 3-6,6-4,6-2.

Prediction: Pegula will win this match in three sets

It has always been a tight contest between Jessica Pegula and Sofia Kenin. And this match shouldn’t be any different! Both these players will be looking to lift their maiden WTA title on a clay court. Pegula has a 16-10 record in this tournament, and looking at her performances in Charleston this season, it might be really tough for Kenin to overcome this massive hurdle in the final. This is Kenin’s second final on clay, the previous one was back in 2020 at the Roland Garros.

If we take a look at the numbers, Pegula (4) has a win-loss record of 24-6 in 2025, while it’s just 15-8 for Kenin (44). If the US Open finalist wins this match, she will then overtake Coco Gauff (3) and become the new American number one. So, there is a lot at stake for Jessica Pegula at the moment!

As far as their playing styles are concerned, Kenin is known for her aggressive baseline-oriented style characterized by powerful groundstrokes, particularly her backhand down the line and inside-in forehand, which she uses to target a specific corner of the court. Kenin has a wide range of shots, and that includes her incredible drop shots and slice forehands.

Conversely, Pegula is known for her all-around, power-based flat-groundstroke style, characterized by aggressive baseline play and strong defense. She loves to dictate the play from the baseline and is also known for being an excellent tactician on the court. Pegula leverages her significant wingspan to cover the court effectively, and her biggest strength is the backhand down-the-line shot, which she uses effectively to dictate the rallies.

Keeping all the factors in mind, Jessica Pegula seems to have an edge over Sofia Kenin going into this epic final on the green clay court! The prediction is for Pegula to win the match in a three-setter.