Charleston is so complicated. It’s a place where no one has a “Sorry about Elon Musk” sticker on their Tesla and everything is a fairytale all of the time. The grounds of the Credit One Charleston Open are not immune to the effects of Charleston Cool either, as it splashes earthy tones on the stadium seating and bachelorette party-worthy instagramable cafes pop up like toadstools every year in this stolen suburban paradise on Daniel Island. I’m the old guy who thinks this tournament was already beautiful without makeup.
On a Saturday that only punishing March can bring, with cloudy skies and a cold wind in the stands just a day after the sunshine helped the temperature break 85 degrees in Charleston, the 2026 edition of this aesthetically-gifted event was off and running.
The grounds feel more compact since the Open began utilizing Stadium Court for qualifying matches a couple of years ago. The early day crowds were more compact too, with the imperfect weather keeping down what is normally one of the busiest days on Daniel Island.
Japan Open semifinalist Aoi Ito was someone I wanted to see play for the first time, and I barely had a chance to do so, as she flamed out to Eva Vedder 6-0, 6-2 in 59 minutes. Not much later, DMV native Ayana Akli breezed past qualifying alternate Tatiana Pieri, 6-0, 6-3. Viktoriya Tomova also raced through straight sets, 6-2, 6-3 against Usue Arconada. Donna Vekic blasted past Sachia Vickery 6-2, 6-2. They all arrive rested and ready for qualifying finals tomorrow.
Then the sun came out, the crowds showed up and the tennis got more complicated. Two comebacks were thwarted as Ekaterine Gorgodze outlasted Aliona Bolsa 6-0, 2-6, 7-6(5) and Polina Kudermetova held off Carolyn Ansari, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.
Tomorrow’s meager menu of six matches begin at 11:00 am using two courts making for a compact Sunday.
Tennis Atlantic 
Return Serve?