Auckland (AFP)
American Serena Williams won her first title in nearly three years on Sunday in Auckland, New Zealand, dominating compatriot Jessica Pegula, 82nd in the world, in two innings (6-3, 6-4) in the final.
The former world No.1 (currently 10th), 38, has not lifted a trophy since her last Grand Slam success at the 2017 Australian Open.
The American has announced that she will transfer her profits to the victims of the forest fires in eastern Australia, which have already devastated more than 8 million hectares, resulting in the death of at least 26 people. , destroyed more than 2,000 homes and killed a billion animals.
With this trophy, her 73rd career, the youngest of the Williams sisters has taken 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 title record. in Grand Slam. It is only one major title from the Australian Margaret Court which holds 24.
In New Zealand, Serena Williams won her first trophy as a mother, who had given birth to a daughter named Olympia in September 2017.
Since returning to post-maternity competition in March 2018 in Indian Wells, the former world No.1 had played five finals, including four in the Grand Slam, but had lost them all. She had fallen on the bottom step at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2018, again at Wimbledon and at the US Open last year as well as in Toronto.
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