“Finally!” Serena Williams said those words today after winning her first title since becoming a mom in September 2017.
At the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, Williams upended what many outlets are reporting “a three-year title drought” when she won her singles final against fellow American player Jessica Pegula (6-3, 6-4).
Hard imagining Williams hasn’t won a title since the birth of her daughter, Olympia, because she’s been winning at motherhood, investing and fashion. However, the 23-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t secured a win when she returned to the courts six months after giving birth.
That all changed at the ASB Classic, with Williams proudly carrying her daughter and trophy after her 73rd title win. “It feels good. It’s been a long. I think you can see the relief on my face,” she said gleaming from the court.
“I feel so fortunate and blessed just to be out here and be healthy and to play,” said Williams. “I’ve been out here for so long and been through so much… I feel so happy to do something that I absolutely love.”
According to ESPN, “the 23-time major winner donated her $43,000 winner’s check to the fundraising appeal for victims of Australian wildfires.”