Charleston native Shelby Rogers assumed a different role at this year’s Credit One Charleston Open now that she has retired from professional tennis. From behind the net to behind the microphone, Rogers commentated matches on the Tennis Channel throughout the week at the WTA 500 tournament.
Rogers, who grew up in Mount Pleasant’s Snee Farm neighborhood before her family moved to Daniel Island when she was 8, had previously commentated matches with the Tennis Channel while recovering from injuries during her playing days and wanted to get back into it. “So far it’s been really fun. I’ve always enjoyed talking about tennis. I mean it’s something I’ve done my whole life so it’s a pretty easy transition.”
The prep work involved differs from priming for a match though. “So I’ve had to learn some of the timing, you know, with make-up and a little bit different routines there.”
While she enjoys the experience, it can also induce some anxiety at times. “It gives me a little stress. Similar to how I was playing and being on live TV you definitely get a little bit nervous.”
But once Rogers settles in it’s a lot of fun and her background as a former WTA player who has competed against and is familiar with many of the women playing in these matches informs her commentary and analysis.
“And then just being able to give some insight into the players, as well as share my experiences and some of the stories that I’ve experienced on tour and being able to share with some of the girls that we’re talking about,” explained Rogers.
The 2024 South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame inductee said she even finds herself defending players sometimes. “I’m like, ‘Oh, they’re doing really well you know, they’re just having a tough day’ or ‘that girl’s playing really well.’”
Rogers added, “Just giving a little bit of a different perspective there. I just know how hard it is,” recounted Rogers. “I’ve never lost a match from the couch. So I just know how the thoughts and the emotions and the feelings of what’s going on in your brain out there can really affect what we see.”
So will Rogers continue the Tennis Channel gig after Charleston? “I really do enjoy commentating, and I really do want to keep pursuing it. I don’t know about full-time,” she acknowledged.
Having just recently retired from the sport, Rogers isn’t enamored with the idea of committing to the same grueling full travel schedule as when she played on tour. “I’ve enjoyed being home and spending time with my husband. And just slowing down a little bit,” reflected Rogers. “So I think for now it’s a bit part-time, but honestly I’m happy to do as many weeks as they’ll have me — Tennis Channel and other networks if that does come about.”
Rogers has also been serving in a mentor role in Fort Lauderdale where Rogers currently resides, including at the Miami Open, where she worked with the WTA in mentoring some of the younger tennis players there. Additionally, she mentors athletes at her church and throughout her community. “You know just speaking into that next generation is really a big passion of mine as well,” stated Rogers. “So I’m kind of splitting my time between that.”
Rogers, who played in the Charleston tournament for 13 years and had her first experience there serving as a ball girl at age 8, also represented the Charleston Open as a Tournament Ambassador this year. Her plan when she retired was to stay involved with tennis, give back to the game and be an inspiration like those who once inspired her, and this provided another opportunity to achieve these goals.
Is it odd not being on the court in front of the hometown fans after all these years?
“A little bit, but at the same time it’s just so different,” added Rogers. “So I’m just embracing my schedule now and all the fun events that I get to do. And anything I’m going to do, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability and give 100%.”
By Colin McCandless
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