Pegula Takes Lead as Top American; Kenin Rises in Rankings

The Hologic WTA Tour clay season commenced last week with two of the tour’s most historic tournaments. The Credit One Charleston Open has taken place since 1973, while the Copa Colsanitas Zurich has been held in Bogota since 1998.

For the second consecutive year, both tournaments crowned champions from the host country. Jessica Pegula, who reached the semifinals in Charleston for the last two years, secured her eighth career title and her first on clay as the top seed. This victory allows Pegula to add clay to her list of titles won on hard and grass courts.

As a result of her win, Pegula climbed one spot to No. 3 in the latest PIF WTA Rankings, equaling her career-high and regaining the title of the top American player from Coco Gauff. Pegula had previously held the No. 3 ranking in October 2022 and again in September 2023, following her appearance in the US Open final.

Osorio Achieves Bogota Title for Third Time

Camila Osorio, the top-ranked Colombian player, successfully defended her title in Bogota, marking her third victory at the event. The 23-year-old climbed one place to No. 53 in the rankings.

Kenin and Kawa Lead Among Finalists

Unseeded finalists in both tournaments made significant advancements in the rankings. Sofia Kenin reached her 10th career final—her first on clay since the 2020 Roland Garros—before losing to Pegula in the third all-American final of the season. After falling as low as No. 168 last September, Kenin rebounded with a ten-spot rise to No. 34, marking her best position since the end of 2023.

Poland’s Katarzyna Kawa made it to her second career final six years after her WTA main-draw debut in Jurmala. The 32-year-old showcased incredible endurance in Bogota, playing for 7 hours and 10 minutes to qualify, saving match points in the second round, and defeating top seed Marie Bouzkova to reach the final. Kawa surged 67 places from No. 223 to No. 156.

Rising Young Stars: Pareja, Kovackova, and Tagger

A new generational milestone was achieved last week when 16-year-old Julieta Pareja became the first player born in 2009 to appear in a WTA main draw by qualifying for Bogota. The American, who has Colombian heritage, didn’t just qualify; she progressed to the semifinals using her powerful forehand. Consequently, Pareja soared 215 rankings spots from No. 550 to No. 335.

This was not Pareja’s first display of talent—she reached the final qualifying round at the US Open last year as a 15-year-old. Bogota marked just her 10th professional tournament, making her the highest-ranked player born in 2009, ahead of Hannah Klugman (No. 559) and Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi (No. 655). Meanwhile, the top player born in 2010, Czech junior No. 11 Jana Kovackova, is also making waves, recently winning the Antalya ITF W35 title and climbing 356 places to No. 705.

Another promising teen, 17-year-old Lilli Tagger, achieved her best career result as well. The Austrian, known for her distinctive one-handed backhand, grabbed her first ITF W35 title in Terrassa two weeks ago and moved up 178 ranks from No. 744 to a new career-high of No. 566.

Other Noteworthy Ranking Changes

Ekaterina Alexandrova, +4 to No. 22: After oscillating in performance, Alexandrova regained her form in Charleston, reaching her third semifinal of the season.

Robin Montgomery, +5 to No. 100: The 20-year-old American achieved her Top 100 debut following a solid performance that got her to the second round in Charleston.

Leolia Jeanjean, +9 to No. 107: After making a strong comeback this year and reaching several finals, the Frenchwoman is on the rise once again.

Others Making Moves: Solana Sierra surged 33 places to No. 119 after winning an Antalya 125 title, while Leyre Romero Gormaz jumped 18 spots to No. 124 after a successful run in Antalya. Darja Semenistaja rose 34 spots to No. 131 after claiming her second WTA 125 title, and Julia Riera moved up 18 places to No. 139 after a semifinal appearance in Bogota.