"You've seen me hold trophy after trophy in my career, but this one was extra special" - Serena Williams reflects on 2020 ASB Classic win
Serena Williams took to social media to reflect on her title-winning run at the 2020 ASB Classic in Auckland. The American plowed through the draw to win her 73rd and most recent career title.
The 23-time Major champion said that despite lifting several Grand Slam and other prestigious trophies, the Auckland win holds special significance for her as it was her first triumph since becoming a mother. Williams said she was delighted to be able to show her daughter Olympia that her mom was a champion.
"You’ve seen me hold trophy after trophy in my career. This one was extra special because it was the first time I got to show my daughter that her mom is a champion," Serena Williams wrote on Instagram.
Williams gave birth to her daughter in September 2017. She made a return to the tour in 2018 at Indian Wells.
Playing in the season-opening 2020 ASB Classic, she showcased some of her best tennis to oust the likes of Camila Giorgi, Christina McHale and Amanda Anisimova to make the final.
Williams would go on to beat fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-4 to capture her first title since returning from maternity leave. Producing a dominant display in the final wasn't a new feeling for Williams, but what was different was the fact that she had daughter Olympia cheering her on from the stands.
The American revealed that the real achievement for her was not lifting the trophy, but rather the happiness and joy the triumph brought her.
"The real achievement isn’t the hardware though, it’s the happiness behind it." Serena Willaims added.
Serena Williams met Maori tennis legend Ruia Morrison during the trophy presentation at ASB Classic
The trophy ceremony of the 2020 ASB Classic was extra special for Serena Williams as she received the Ruia Morrison korowai, a traditional cloak presented as a gift in Maori culture. It was named after the first New Zealand woman and Maori to have played at the Wimbledon Championships, Ruia Morrison.
Williams had said in the trophy ceremony that she felt honored to have been the first recipient of the Ruia Morrison korowai.