Jessica Pegula is set to kick off her clay court season at the 2025 Charleston Open, facing Belarusian challenger Iryna Shymanovich. Pegula, the tournament’s top seed, has been in outstanding form this year, reaching three finals and securing one title. Despite falling short in Miami, she remains confident about her clay prospects, stating, “I know I’m known more for being a hard-court player…but I think I can do well on clay too.”
Can Pegula make a strong start in Charleston, or will Shymanovich pull off an upset?
Match Preview
Pegula, currently ranked No. 4, has already tasted success this season, winning the ATX Open and reaching the Miami Open final before falling to Aryna Sabalenka. Meanwhile, Shymanovich has primarily competed on the ITF circuit, with her best result being a clay-court final in Vacaria. However, she enters this match on a three-match winning streak, having defeated Heather Watson in the previous round.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between Pegula and Shymanovich, making their head-to-head record 0-0.
Prediction: Pegula to Win in Straight Sets
On paper, Pegula is the clear favorite. With a 20-6 win-loss record in 2025, she has consistently performed at the highest level, whereas Shymanovich has just one main tour victory this season. The Belarusian has an impressive ITF clay record (8 titles from 12 finals), but facing a top-tier player like Pegula is a different challenge altogether.
Shymanovich thrives on clay, known for her defensive resilience and ability to transition quickly between defense and attack. However, Pegula’s powerful groundstrokes, tactical intelligence, and dominant baseline play give her a strong edge. With home-court support on her side, Pegula is expected to dictate the match and advance comfortably.
Final Verdict: Pegula in Two Sets
Do you think Pegula will finally conquer the clay, or could Shymanovich pull off a shocker? Share your thoughts!
