Serena Williams finally returns to success. The American tennis player won Sunday, January 12 in Auckland, New Zealand, her first title in almost three years by dominating her compatriot Jessica Pegula, 82e world, in two runs (6-3, 6-4).
A first title in three years for @serenawilliams! She beats Pegula 6-3, 6-4 at @ASB_Classic! https://t.co/EUnWlLAQQe
The former world number one (10e currently), 38, has not lifted a trophy since her last Grand Slam success at the 2017 Australian Open. " It's been a while. I think you can read the relief on my face ", she said after the meeting.
Serena Williams has announced that she will donate her earnings of $ 43,000 (approximately 38,600 euros) to the victims fires in Australia, which have already ravaged more than eight million hectares, killed at least 26 people, destroyed more than 2,000 homes and killed one billion animals.
"I’ve been playing in Australia for over twenty years and it’s really hard for me to watch the news and see what’s going on, all these fires… These animals (Dead) and all those people who lost their homes ”, she explained.
With this 73e Trophy, the youngest of the Sisters Williams took care of her preparation for the Australian Open, scheduled from January 20 to February 2 in Melbourne, where she will once again try to equal the Grand Slam title record. It’s only one major title away from the Australian Margaret Court who holds 24.
In Melbourne, Serena Williams will have to win seven games and will certainly defeat much tougher opponents than those encountered this week. In Auckland, the highest ranked player she faced was her 18-year-old compatriot Amanda Anisimova, 25e World, Saturday in the semi-finals.
Since her return to post-maternity competition in March 2018, Serena Williams had played five finals, including four in the Grand Slam, but had lost them all. She fell on the bottom step at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2018, again at Wimbledon and the US Open last year and in Toronto.
