By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday January 11, 2020
Serena Williams won the ASB Classic title and donated all of her prize money to Australia's bushfire crisis.
Photo Source: Tennis Channel
Serena Williams claimed her first title since 2017 and her first title since giving birth to her daughter Olympia on Sunday at the ASB Classic. Then she donated the $43,000 in prize money she earned to relief efforts for Australia’s ongoing bushfire crisis.
The American legend fought past Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-4 in one hour and 35 minutes to claim her 73rd singles titles overall, and her first since she won the 2017 Australian Open in while in the early stages of pregnancy.
Her daughter Olympia was on hand to witness Williams’ triumph and sat courtside with Williams husband Alexis Ohanian during the trophy ceremony.
“I’m a little biased but she’s so cute,” Williams joked.
She was in no joking mood early as she tried to find her footing against Pegula, a 25-year-old American ranked 82 in the world.
Williams dropped the first two games and very nearly fell behind by a double-break but she was able to nip things in the bud in that third game by saving multiple break points to hold.
To her credit, Pegula was a presence throughout the contest, she repeatedly connected on baseline strikes and did a fantastic job while facing break points, saving 12 of 15.
“It was pretty awesome to come out here and play against her on this awesome center court—it was a lot of fun,” said Pegula. “[Serena] you are an amazing champion and everything you’ve done for the sport is amazing—it was so fun to step on the court with you today.”
Williams saved four of five break points in the final, and by the time she reached the second set her serving troubles were behind her. She did not face a break point in the second set and dropped just four points on serve in the set overall.
“It feels good, it’s been a long time,” Williams said. “It feels like I was definitely improving as the week went on.”
“I feel so fortunate and blessed just to be able to be out here and to be healthy and to play,” Williams said. “I feel like I’m just so happy to do something that I absolutely love.”