Defending champ Bencic ends Rogers’ dream run at home

Shelby Rogers‘ dream run at home had to end at some point.

While the Mt. Pleasant native could have hoped it would be by hoisting the Credit One Charleston Open trophy, she was stopped short on Thursday by defending champion Belinda Bencic 4-6 7-5 6-2 in a third three-setter in as many matches this week for Shelby.

“I left it all out there,” Rogers, the world No. 44 said after the loss. “I’m really proud of myself for that. And… [it was] entertaining, I guess? But that has been the theme of this week.”

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Rogers stole away the first set from Bencic, the No. 4 seed, after going down an early break. She looked in prime place to score an upset win and return to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2017, but Bencic would sneak it out 7-5, sending the match to a decider before claiming the third 6-2.

Rogers’ wins over Danielle Collins and Caty McNally marked her first victories in Lowcountry since 2019. She injured herself in last year’s first round against Kaia Kanepi, and said she’s happy with where her game is currently at heading into the clay season.

“I had chances in every match I’ve played, so that’s always encouraging,” Rogers reflected. “I feel like I’m moving pretty well out there on the clay, so I’m just going to try to keep loving the surface and hopefully it’ll love me back.”

Players in this article

SHELBY ROGERS

BELINDA BENCIC