Serving Up Aces: Credit One Charleston Open Continues to Wow

The award-winning Credit One Charleston Open, the largest women’s-only tennis tournament in North America, returns to Daniel Island March 30-April 7.

The Credit One Charleston Open (COCO), celebrating its 52nd event this year, has become a favorite among tour players, having been named ‘WTA 500 Tournament of the Year’ two years in a row. It annually draws some of the world’s best players. Current commitments include world No. 5 Jessica Pegula, world No. 6 and defending Charleston champion Ons Jabeur, world No. 8 Maria Sakkari and past Charleston champions Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens.

Charleston’s own Shelby Rogers, ranked as high as world No. 30 thus far in her career, has found success at her hometown tournament in recent years. Rogers recorded her best finish to date in in 2023, making it to the Round of 16 against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, a past champion and last year’s runner-up finalist.

Another Lowcountry talent to keep an eye on is Emma Navarro. Navarro, a former No.1-ranked collegiate women’s singles player at the University of Virginia, won her first WTA singles title in January at the Hobart International, one of the lead-up tournaments to the Australian Open. Just a year ago she was ranked No. 149 in the world but has skyrocketed to No. 26.

“In my many years of tennis, I have not seen a rise like Emma’s,” proclaimed COCO tournament director Bob Moran.

The nine-day event traditionally hosts more than 90,000 attendees on Daniel Island. Moran said it is an honor to be named Tournament of the Year again.

“This award is dedicated to everyone who makes our tournament great—our players, fans, corporate sponsors, volunteers, staff and media partners. We cannot host a successful event without them and share this distinction with them.”

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

One longtime volunteer who has contributed to its success is Ava Kusmider, now entering her 14th year of volunteering at COCO. She started out working on ball crews at age 9 and has missed only one year since — when COVID-19 canceled the event in 2020.

Since 2019 she has served as the ball crew monitor, overseeing production of the ball crew. She ensures the correct skill level is on the right court and that the crew is placed in the right area of the court. Kusmider quipped that she is basically a “glorified camp counselor.” But she relishes the opportunity. She and her brothers worked ball crew together growing up and all of them played tennis. “It was honestly one of the best times of the year growing up,” reflected Kusmider. She sees the same players, some year after year — “and I still geek out,” she admitted.

Kusmider added that the ball crew, linesmen and umpires get a unique perspective. “It still surprises me to see it from that level and be on the court.” Witnessing the speed and power of players and how deftly they move has been impressive. As has watching players use the clay surface to their advantage, such as Jabeur’s drop shot prowess.

Her favorite part of volunteering is the camaraderie. “I’ve had some of my best friends come out of ball crew,” shared Kusmider. “I also love working with the rookies since I’m in charge. Seeing them get as excited as I was as a young kid starting out.” For those interested in volunteering, Kusmider said they always need new ball crew members because kids age out and attend college.

Moran lauded the efforts of volunteers. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without our volunteers,” he acknowledged. “They’re on the front line.”

And despite the recent accolades, Moran emphasized that their team never rests on their laurels. The day after COCO ends, they are back at work striving to make the next event better. “No one here is allowed to become complacent. As we raise the bar, other events are raising the bar too.”

Of course, the fan experience is just as important as the player experience, so every year COCO conducts a fan survey and uses that feedback to guide improvements. For example, the outside courts used to feature bleacher seating, and then last year they changed it to provide chair-backed seating on all courts.

Moran noted that tennis is unique in that unlike a football or baseball game, you must entertain people for an entire day. “It’s not a typical game day. It’s six or seven hours.”

They offer a variety of events including a family weekend with kids’ activities, a Doubles, Bubbles & Bites lunch where fans get to meet the players while sampling gourmet fare and sipping on champagne and a gospel brunch with Gullah singers.

Having Charlestonians playing in the tournament helps draw more youth interest as well. “We have Shelby. We have Emma. Kids see this and they want to be professional tennis players,” said Moran.

That’s one reason why kids 15 and under are admitted free. “We’re hoping to build the sport and grow the sport,” Moran added.

For tickets, visit creditonecharlestonopen.com or call 843-856-7900.

By Colin McCandless