Charleston announces 250 event to follow Volvo Car Open

Charleston tennis fans will get an extra week of action in 2021 after Charleston Tennis, LLC announced a WTA 250 tournament to follow the return of the Volvo Car Open.

A decades-long staple of the women’s tennis calendar, the Volvo Car Open was canceled last spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniel Island ultimately played host to an exhibition tournament last June, but it's clear that the tournament is making up for lost time in style this season.

“When the Billie Jean King Cup Final cancelled its event, which was originally scheduled for the week after the Volvo Car Open, WTA Tour CEO Steve Simon approached our team with the opportunity to host a WTA 250 level event,” said Tournament Director Bob Moran.

2019 Volvo Car Open champion Madison Keys will headline the Charleston 250 singles field, which will consist of 23 direct entrants, four wild cards, four qualifiers, and one special exempt in addition to a full doubles tournament.

According to an official press release, “The tournament has partnered with the WTA and the Medical University of South Carolina to develop its health and safety protocols for the event, which will allow the team to create a safe atmosphere for players, essential staff and operational partners.”

“The WTA Tour is a true partnership between players and the tournaments,” continued Moran, “which means we have to work together for the betterment of the Tour. Our decision to host this event is a reflection of our partnership and commitment to supporting players.”

A full slate of American talent is set to join Keys for the Charleston 250, including Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Danielle Collins, Sloane Stephens, and Shelby Rogers. International stars like Yulia Putintseva, Ons Jabeur, and Barbora Krejcikova are also set to appear.