Serena Williams wins first title since 2017

Sunday, 12 January 2020 12:01

Serena Williams secured her first title in three years after overcoming a sluggish start to beat Jessica Pegula at the WTA Auckland Classic.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion defeated her fellow American 6-3, 6-4.

"I played an incredible opponent today in Jessica and, honestly, it was a great match and I couldn't have played anyone better in the final," she said.

Williams also donated her US$43,000 winner's cheque to the Australian bushfire relief fund and put up a dress she wore in the first round in Auckland for auction.

More from Sport

Shelton stuns Alcaraz in late, late show to reach US Open semis

Ben Shelton beat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 6-7(5) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6(10-7) in the early hours of Wednesday to reach the semi-finals of the US Open in the latest-finishing match in tournament history.
Pegula reaches third straight US Open semifinal

Jessica Pegula has reached the US Open semifinals for a third straight year, coming from a set down to beat Emma Navarro 3-6 6-4 6-3 in an all-American clash on Tuesday.
Real punish Inter errors, Haaland double lifts Man City

Real Madrid has punished two costly Inter Milan mistakes to win their Champions League opener 2-1 on Tuesday, with Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde scoring and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois keeping the visitors at bay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Tiafoe reaches US Open semis in thrilling fightback

Frances Tiafoe has recovered from two sets and a break down to beat US compatriot Alex Michelsen 5-7 3-6 7-5 6-3 7-6(6) at the US Open on Tuesday, reaching the semi-finals for a third time in a thrilling fightback.
Messi nears deal to acquire Spanish second-tier club Eldense

Lionel Messi is close to completing a deal to buy Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense, adding to his growing portfolio of football ownership interests, according to multiple reports in Spain.