Farewell, Mrs. Rogers: Hometown Tennis Star Shelby Rogers Retires

Capping a 15-year professional tennis career, Mount Pleasant native Shelby Rogers competed in her final singles match on the WTA Tour Aug. 27 at iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium against fellow American Jessica Pegula in the U.S. Open’s first round, eventually falling 4-6, 3-6.

“It was such an honor to be able to play on Ashe again and have that moment where I’ve had so many memories in the past and share it with Jessie,” reflected Rogers. The two close friends have known each other since childhood and played together in juniors.

Rogers said the recognition the U.S. Open gave her after the match left an indelible impression. “I was really grateful for the respect that they showed me and to really share the moment with everyone in that stadium and on TV is something I’ll never forget for sure.”

Raised in Snee Farm, Rogers began playing tennis when she was 4 years old, following her older sister Sabra around on the courts of Snee Farm Country Club holding a racquet while Sabra took lessons. At 7, Rogers started taking proper lessons at Family Circle with a tennis pro named Bryan Minton, focusing on technique and development. That same year, she first served as a ball girl at the Family Circle Cup (now Credit One Charleston Open).

Rogers described it as a privilege being exposed to a high level of tennis at such a young age. “Not everyone gets that opportunity, and I did not overlook that because I think having it be a little more tangible and seeing what it took, seeing these girls train up close, really inspired me on another level.” Rogers observed the momentum shifts and strategies and became a student of the game.

One salient memory from her ball kid experience was meeting Jennifer Capriati, who won the tournament in 2001. Rogers handed her a bouquet during the ceremony, and she remembers Capriati kissing her cheek and telling her: “You’ll play here one day.” Those words resonated with Rogers and later influenced her. “Having that foundation, once I established myself on tour, I understood how much those little moments meant to the kids. How much those little interactions really have an impact on the next generation.”

Rogers moved to Daniel Island around the age of 8. By 14, Rogers was training with the goal of turning pro in mind. She first realized it might be achievable when at 16 she began having results in the pro tournaments and beating Top 200 players. “People still thought I was a little crazy, but you know it was definitely something I wanted,” she recounted. After high school, Rogers, who now lives in Fort Lauderdale, relocated to Florida to train.

As a professional player, Rogers reached a career high WTA ranking of No. 30 in the world in singles and No. 40 in doubles. She made the quarterfinals at both the U.S. and French Opens and the Round of 16 at the Australian Open.

Of her many accomplishments, Rogers is most proud of being part of the American team that won the 2017 Billie Jean King Cup championship, and beating some of the world’s top players such as Serena Williams in 2020 and Ashleigh Barty, who was World No. 1 when Rogers defeated her at the 2021 US Open. Overall, she notched seven wins over Top 10 players.

Another career highlight came after sustaining her first knee injury, which sidelined her for 13 months. Rogers played her first match after returning from injury in Charleston and won. “It was really, really huge for me because I didn’t think I would play tennis again,” mused Rogers. “And then I went on to have six more years of an amazing career.”

Cumulative injuries suffered over the past two years since Wimbledon in 2023 when she tore her meniscus impacted her retirement decision as the joy she derived from the sport faded some.

“For myself, I just have a level of respect for the game and a level of integrity that I wanted to uphold as well,” asserted Rogers. “It’s still a difficult decision, but I’m definitely grateful that I got to the point that I could accept that decision and be really confident in it.”

Enshrined in SC Tennis Hall of Fame

In August, the South Carolina Tennis Foundation announced that Rogers would be inducted into the 2024 class of the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame.

“It’s pretty humbling for one and definitely an honor for me,” said Rogers. “As a kid just growing up in Mount Pleasant and playing on Snee Farm courts or against the wall, to then think that I would be in the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame is pretty cool to say the least.”

Rogers said the timing of the induction, coinciding with her retirement, has made it even more special. “I’m in this transition, and to be able to celebrate that at the end of — everything really — is really just the cherry on top.”

The SC Tennis Hall of Fame will celebrate Rogers’ achievements on Nov. 23 at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island. For more information about the ceremony, visit sctpf.org.

By Colin McCandless