Auckland Open 2020, Serena Williams defeats compatriot Jessica Pegula in final to break three-year title donates prize money for the Australian Bushfire relief effort

Serena Williams finally ended her wait for a first title since becoming a mother with victory in the Auckland open final on Sunday.

The 23-time grand slam champion saw off fellow American Jessica Pegula, winning 6-3 6-4. Though Williams won the 2017 Australian Open while pregnant, she has experienced plenty of frustration since returning to the circuit following the birth of her daughter.

However, the weight of her title drought has now been lifted going into the first slam of the year at Melbourne Park, where she is the bookmakers’ favorite to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record for major wins.

Serena Williams laid down an ominous marker when she brushed aside the promising Amanda Anisimova in just 44minutes in the semi-final and Jessica Pegula had no answer in the showpiece as the 38-year-old claimed her 73^rd WTA title.

She was able to celebrate winning a tournament with her daughter Alexia Olympia for the first time and announced that she would donate her prize money to the Australian bushfire relief effort.

Just over a week out from the Australian Open Serena Williams laid down an ominous marker when she brushed aside the promising Jessica Pegula in just 44minutes in the semi-final and Jessica Pegula had no answer in the showpiece as the 38-year-old claimed her 73^rd WTA title., Williams looks in blistering form as she eyes a record-tying slam.

By Linda Amiani,