As the WTA Charleston Open kicks off the clay court season, former-world. No 3, Sloane Stephens has started preparation for her return to the tournament after 5 years. Held in South Carolina, being the only tournament to be played on green clay courts, it is a unique part of the tour.

One of the first players to commit to this year’s edition, Stephens could be seen practicing at the Credit One Stadium’s pristine green clay courts on Daniel Island.

Sloane Stephens hits a perfect forehand

Stephens took to Instagram to give a sneak peek into her practice session for her opening match of the tournament. She uploaded a video captioned, “First hit on the rough stuff 🙌🏾” in which she can be seen hitting the ball in a high-speed video. Maintaining perfect form, the American seems to hop a bit which is a testament to the high bounce of the green clay court.

The WTA Charleston Open acts as a bridge between the quick hard courts of America and the much slower slipperier clay courts of Europe. the tournament is preferred by American women as it is a surface familiar to many from their development years on the junior circuit.

Deriving attributes from both the red clay courts of Europe and the hardcourts of America, green clay, while being slower and more slippery than hardcourts, is faster and limits the slide more when compared to red clay courts. Thus aligning well with the American’s playing style.

The tournament holds one more distinction of being the largest women-only tournament in America. Stephens, champion of the WTA Charleston Open 2016 will be seen alongside exciting talent from across the globe!

‘ticket sales and demand for 2024 continue to outperform previous records’ – Bob Moran

Tournament Director of the WTA Charleston Open, Bob Moran said, “We have an incredible field of tennis champions already committed to play in Charleston next year and ticket sales and demand for 2024 continue to outperform previous records.”

Stephens will be joined by Indian Wells finalist Maria Sakkari, WTA finals runners-up Jessica Pegula, 2023 Charleston Open champion Ons Jabeur, and 2019 Charleston Open champion Madison Keys. With former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki and world No. 13 Haddad Maia further boosting the field with wild card entries.

“Maria had a strong 2023 season and delivered impressive results throughout the year. We are excited to welcome her back to Charleston after a brief hiatus,” says, Moran.

With an impressive entry list, all wanting to head into the clay court season in Europe on a strong note, the WTA Charleston Open is primed to be set alight by scintillating performances!

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