Former world No.1 Serena Williams has returned to the winner’s circle for the first time since 2017 after roaring her way to a straight sets a win at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Williams, who hadn’t won a title of any sort since becoming a mother, rallied to a 6-4, 6-4, win over compatriot Jessica Pegula in what was their first tour meeting. After dropping her serve in the very first game of the match, the top seed remained unbroken for the reminder. Although it was a far from simple encounter for the American, who converted only three out of her 15 break point opportunities during the 96-minute clash.
“It feels good, it has been a long time,” Williams said afterwards. “I played an incredible opponent in Jessica and honestly it was a great match.
“I was definitely improving as the week went on and I needed to because I had some tough matches. I played every day and I’m playing still, I’ve got another match.
“I feel fortunate and blessed to be out here and to be healthy and to play. I have been playing for so long and been through so much and I’m happy to be doing something I love.”
The triumph is Williams’ 73rd WTA title and first in New Zealand. She has now won titles in four different decades, dating back to her maiden trophy back in 1999. It also breaks her snap of losing five consecutive finals since making her comeback from the birth of first daughter. Four out of those five previous finals was at grand slam tournaments.
Serena Williams’ win in Auckland makes it FOUR decades of being a champion.
Serena’s wins by decade:
90s:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
00s:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆10s:🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆20s:🏆
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) 12 January 2020
Meanwhile, world No.82 Pegula exits Auckland with her head held high. Unseeded in the tournament, she knocked out Caroline Wozniacki en route to only her third WTA Final at the age of 25. Pegula is yet to win back-to-back matches at a major tournament.
“You are an amazing champion. It has been so fun to step on the court with you today.” She said in tribute to Williams.
There was no double celebration for Williams in the doubles after her and partner Wozniacki fell in straight sets. The duo, who was playing together on the tour for the first time, fell 6-4, 6-4, to Asia Muhammad and Taylor Townsend.
Bushfire donation
In the aftermath of her victory, the 38-year-old revealed that she will donate all of her prize money earned from the tournament to the Australian bush fires appeal. At least 28 people have been killed by the fires and thousands of homes have been destroyed.
“I’ve been playing in Australia for over 20 years and it’s been really hard for me to watch all the news and everything that has been happening in Australia with all the fire and … animals and people that have lost their homes,” she said.
“I decided at the beginning of the tournament … I’d donate all my prize money for a great cause.”
Williams’ donation is the latest from a tennis player. Nick Kyrgios, Simona Halep and Alex de Minaur have all pledged to donate a set amount of money for every ace they hit during the Australian summer. Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova have donated $25,000 each. Meanwhile, Tennis Australia has organised a series of fundraisers over the coming weeks.
As a result of her win, Williams will rise to ninth place in the rankings on Monday. Meaning that she will have a top eight seeding for the Australian Open due to the withdrawal of Bianca Andreescu on Saturday.
