ASB Classic: Serena Williams wins Auckland Open, first title in three years

Lachlan McKirdy

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ASB Classic: Serena Williams wins Auckland Open, first title in three years image

Serena Williams has won the ASB Classic in Auckland, her first tournament win since her 2017 Australian Open triumph.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion defeated compatriot Jessica Pegula in straight sets, 6-3 6-4. 

For Williams, it is also her first title since becoming a mother in 2017 and is the 73rd title of her career. 

Williams has had a great week in Auckland, particularly with her straight-sets demolition of Amanda Anisimova in the semifinal. 

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In an ominous sign to her rivals, Williams' serve and groundstrokes looked particularly powerful during her week in New Zealand.


She told reporters that she was going to 'bring it' in the final, and she definitely did that and she didn't allow Pegula to settle into her rhythm. 

She secured the win with a trademark backhand down the line, with the crowd rising as one to celebrate the tennis great. 


Williams won her first title in 1999, and her win in Auckland means she has now won a tournament across four decades.


After winning the tournament, Williams announced that she would be donating all her prizemoney to the victims of the Australian bushfires. 


The win moves her into #9 in the WTA rankings, and with Bianca Andreescu's Australian Open withdrawal on Saturday, it means she will now be a top-eight seed for the Grand Slam. 


 

 

 

Lachlan McKirdy

Lachlan McKirdy Photo