Charleston’s Shelby Rogers is a tennis player who has made a significant impact on the sport both locally and internationally. With a career that has seen her win more than $5 million in prize money and reach a career-high ranking of No. 30 in the world, Rogers has solidified herself as a force to be reckoned with on the WTA Tour.
Born in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Rogers was a standout junior player before turning professional at the age of 17 in 2009. She quickly made a name for herself by winning five S.C. Palmetto Championship singles titles and a doubles title before the age of 15. Her success continued as she won the 2010 USTA girls national championship (18U), earning her a wild card entry into the U.S. Open that same year. Rogers‘ achievements as a junior player set the stage for a successful professional career.
As a pro, Rogers has had notable successes, including reaching the quarterfinals of prestigious Grand Slam tournaments such as the U.S. Open and the French Open, as well as the round of 16 at the Australian Open. She has garnered attention for her ability to defeat some of the biggest names in women’s tennis, including Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Ash Barty, Petra Kvitova, and Elena Rybakina. Rogers‘ tenacity and skill on the court have earned her a reputation as a giant-killer on the WTA Tour.
Off the court, Rogers has been a vocal advocate for tennis in South Carolina. She played a key role in Charleston being named the No. 1 Best Tennis Town in America by the USTA, showcasing her commitment to growing the sport in her home state. Rogers‘ influence extends beyond her playing career, as she has worked as a tennis analyst on TV broadcasts and has actively promoted tennis in Charleston and throughout South Carolina.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the sport, Rogers is set to be inducted into the S.C. Tennis Hall of Fame alongside Jean C. Evans, another accomplished player with deep roots in South Carolina tennis history. Evans, who hails from Belton, South Carolina, has an impressive record of nine Palmetto Championship singles titles and a legacy of sportsmanship that has been honored with the Malloy Evans Memorial Sportsmanship Award.
The induction ceremony, scheduled for November 23 on Hilton Head Island during the USTA South Carolina’s annual meeting, will celebrate the achievements of both Rogers and Evans. Their impact on tennis in South Carolina and beyond serves as a testament to the talent and dedication that have propelled them to the highest levels of the sport. As Rogers and Evans take their place in the S.C. Tennis Hall of Fame, they will be remembered for their lasting contributions to the tennis community and their enduring legacies as champions of the game.