Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season

Miami Gardens, USA. 21st Mar, 2024. MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – MARCH 21: Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) vs Anhelina Kalinina (Ukraine) during the 2024 Miami Open day 6 presented by Itau at Hard Rock Stadium on March 21, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo

The Charleston Open has announced its collection of wildcards for the 52nd edition of the largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament in North America.

Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 and 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, Charleston’s own Shelby Rogers and 2023 Wimbledon girls singles champion Clervie Ngounoue.

Wozniacki had announced her formal retirement in January 2020 in order to raise a family.

The mother of two returned to professional tennis in Montreal in August 2023.

She made it to the fourth round of the US Open not long after her return. Since then, she has advanced to Indian Wells’ quarter-finals in her best performance of the campaign.

She is a two-time US Open finalist and the 2018 Australian Open champion. Thirty WTA championships are under her belt, with her Charleston victory coming in 2011 in a career resume that speaks for itself.

Her win/loss record at the Charleston tournament is 20-5, and she will be competing there for the eighth time.

She advanced to the event semi-finals in 2010; quarter-finals in 2013 and 2017; and finals in 2019 and 2009.

Haddad Maia will be part of Charleston’s main draw for the second time in her career and first since 2018 thanks to her wildcard.

Rogers recently returned from a long injury layoff that has put her on ice since Wimbledon 2023.

This will be Rogers’ 10th appearance in the Charleston main draw, where her best effort has been making the quarterfinals in 2017.

“We are excited to have an impressive lineup of wild cards this year, including former World No. 1 and past champion Caroline Wozniacki, Brazil’s Top 20 trailblazer Beatriz Haddad Maia, and the incredibly promising American young talent, Clervie Ngounoue,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment.

“Caroline’s return to the courts in Charleston adds a layer of anticipation and nostalgia for our fans, while Beatriz’s breakthrough performances on the tour last year signal she’s a significant contender.

“Clervie represents the bright future of tennis at just 17 years old, and we can’t wait to see her compete on this grand stage.

“Their commitments emphasize our tournament’s reputation as a platform where legends, current champions, and future stars converge, promising a week of exciting tennis action for our fans.”

“Welcoming Shelby Rogers back to the courts at an event that holds special significance for her as a local player, means a great deal to our tournament and our fans,” said Moran. “Shelby’s determination to return to the game she loves is truly inspiring. It’s a moment of pride for us to see her compete in her hometown, and we look forward to supporting her throughout the tournament.”

READ MORE: Caroline Wozniacki makes contentious wildcard claim after Simona Halep’s tennis comeback