Serena Williams has broken a three-year title drought and won the singles final at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Williams had not won a singles title since the Australian Open in January 2017 but prevailed 6-3 6-4 over Jessica Pegula.
The victory secured her 73rd WTA title and her first since she becoming a mother to her daughter Olympia, who was court-side to see her victory.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner then donated her $43,000 winner’s cheque to the fundraising appeal for victims of the Australian bushfires.
“I think you can see the relief on my face. I played an incredible opponent today in Jessica and, honestly, it was a great match and I couldn’t have played anyone better in the final.”
Finishing with the winner’s trophy in her arms capped a productive week for Williams. She turned out on all seven days of the tournament and successfully combined the demands of both the singles and doubles.
