THERE might have been 71 titles and more than $91 million USD difference between them, but when Serena Williams and Jessica Pegula took to the court in the ASB Classic final, they were equals. In the end the more experienced Williams triumphed in straight sets, winning her first title since the 2017 Australian Open – where she won while pregnant with her daughter – and has had a mix of maternity leave and close misses since. Pegula on the other hand has just the one title to her name and will look to beat her career high ranking of 55th after sitting at 82nd heading into the ASB Classic.

By the time the match was said and done, the Grand Slam winner had triumphed and broken her three-year and five losing finals drought, 6-3 6-4 in just over 90 minutes of match play. While it was far from her most clinical performance, Williams was smart and consistent, serving at more than 65 per cent and winning 72.1 per cent of her first serves. Crucially, she also capitalised on almost 61 per cent of her second service points, and worked hard to defend four of a possible five break point opportunities. There was plenty to like from Pegula’s perspective as well, saving 12 break point opportunities and standing up to one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Unfortunately it would not be enough as Williams still broke her three times and controlled play for the majority on her way to the straight sets win.

Now both players can eye off the Australian Open with Williams seeded inside the top 10 and Pegula automatically qualifying for the main draw.