Former World No.1 Serena Williams wins her 73rd WTA title at the ASB Classic 2020 in Auckland after rallying past the unseeded Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-4 in the finals on Sunday. With this victory, she also secures her first title since the 2017 Australian Open.

In the all-American finals, the veteran hit 74 percent of her first serves in and won 77 per cent of 1st serve points. Williams dominated her compatriot in both – service game and return game. She won a total of 67 percent of service points and 47 percent of return points.

Before this match, Williams hadn’t won a set in any of her post-maternity championship matches. However, she broke the streak after finding her rhythm following a slow start in the opening set.

Serena Williams saved four breakpoints and won the set

Pegula started the match on the right foot as she broke Williams in her opening service game. She again troubled Serena in her next serve game but missed four break chances to get a commanding 3-0 lead.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion was back on track after holding a crucial service game. She broke twice and won five consecutive games to clinch the opening set 6-3 in 50 minutes.

Williams sealed the match in the second set

The No.1 seed took the momentum in the next set as she earned four break points in her opponent’s opening service game. However, Pegula denied all the four break chances as she won her first game after losing five in a row.

The 25-year-old was broken for the third time in the match as Serena took a commanding 4-3 lead. She then served out the match after 1 hour and 36 minutes and won the second set 6-4.

Serena Williams will step on the court again for her doubles finals with Caroline Wozniacki against the American pair – Taylor Townsend and Asia Muhammad.

It is the 12th time the 38-year-old has reached the singles and doubles final of the same tournament. In 10 out of 11 past instances, she managed to sweep both showpieces, most recently at 2016 Wimbledon Championships.