Former world No 4 Sofia Kenin has been granted a main draw wildcard into Charleston, the tournament announced. Kenin, now ranked at No 164 in the world, is set to make her fifth appearance on the clay courts of Charleston.
The Charleston event is set to feature a star-studded player field as five top-10 players have signed up to play. Now, 2020 Australian Open champion Kenin has also been added to the Charleston player field. “Adding Sofia to our already strong player field reinforces the level of talent that will be on display in April at the Credit One Charleston Open.
As a Grand Slam champion and former top 10 player, we are happy to support her return to tennis competition after injuries. Our attendees are in for a great nine days of tennis in April, where the best in women’s tennis will be in competition at the Credit One Stadium," Charleston tournament director Bob Moran said.
How did Kenin do in her previous Charleston appearances?
Kenin, 24, made her Charleston debut in 2017. Back then, Kenin won two qualifying matches to reach the Charleston main draw. After winning two qualifying matches, Kenin was beaten by Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the Charleston main draw first round.
The following year, Kenin returned to Charleston and suffered back-to-back first-round losses at the tournament after losing to Ashleigh Barty. In 2019, Kenin finally clinched her first Charleston main draw win after beating Sabine Lisicki in the first round.
But Kenin couldn't go further than the second round as she was beaten by Monica Puig in her following match. Kenin made her fourth Charleston appearance in 2021, when she had a first-round bye at the tournament before losing to Lauren Davis in her opener.
Now, Kenin is set to return to Charleston for her fifth appearance at the tournament. The Charleston tournament is set to take place between April 03-09. It remains to be seen if this will be the year Kenin makes her first deep Charleston run.