Serena Williams Ends Title-Drought With WTA Title Win Against Jessica Pegula

Serena Williams has brought a three-year-long title-drought to an end at the final of the WTA in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday, extending her major singles title wins to number 73.

The 38-year-old had a slow start against her compatriot Jessica Pegula but revamped her aggression against the 25-year-old and forced straight-sets victory, 6-3, 6-4, to clinch the title. On receiving the trophy, she posed for pictures with her two-year-old daughter Alexis Jr. whom she had for her husband and media mogul Alexis Ohanian who was also present.

"It feels good. It's been a long time," said Serena. "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."

Jessica was making her third WTA final appearance and started incredibly well with an offensive to take an early break in the first set before Serena pushed back and winning double break-point to en route taking the opener.

Serena was fully in control of the decider breaking for a 2-1 lead and held on to the lead to outclass Jessica in straight set. Meanwhile, she saved four of the five break points faced against Jessica.

Having won the final, she will receive $43,000 in prize money which she is understood to want to donate to charity to fight the wildfires ravaging Australia.