Serena Williams donates her winner’s cheque and dresses for auction for bushfire relief efforts
Serena Williams marked her return to the WTA Tour’s trophy winner’s circle by donating her ASB Classic prize money to Australian bushfire relief funds.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner ended her three-year title drought when she beat fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-4 in the Auckland final on Sunday.
Serena Williams on ending her title drought: ‘It feels good, it has been a long time’
The former world No 1 celebrated her 73rd career singles title by announcing that she would donate her A$62,300 (about £33,000) cheque to relief efforts in neighbouring Australia where 27 people have lost their lives and millions of animals have been killed.
The 38-year-old also revealed during the post-match presentation that she would donate a dress from every match she played in Auckland.
Incredible presentation at @ASB_Classic !
First @serenawilliams meets the legendary Ruia Morrison…
…then she announces she will donate her prize money (and a dress from each of her matches) to the bushfire relief effort! pic.twitter.com/xNVYAeLn3u
— WTA (@WTA) January 12, 2020
“I’ve been playing in Australia for over 20 years and it’s been really hard for me to watch all the news and everything that has been happening in Australia with all the fire and… animals and people that have lost their homes,” she said.
“Over a billion animals and people who have lost their homes, so much has happened.
“So I decided at the beginning of the tournament that in every match I play, I donate a dress and I’ll also donate my prize money for a great cause.”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
NewsInjury means the French Open sees the back of world number one Ashleigh Barty
The story of the fifth day of action at Roland Garros.
-
French Open‘I’m playing well’ – Rafael Nadal in buoyant mood as he eases through in Paris
Nadal has won every tour-level match he has played against the Frenchman.
-
NewsI guess I’m new to the new tour – Roger Federer loses cool in French Open win
Federer was furious at being given a warning for taking too long between points.
-
News‘I’ve learned that he’s actually a human being,’ jokes Cameron Norrie ahead of possible Rafael Nadal clash
Cameron Norrie defeated Lloyd Harris to continue his impressive season.
-
NewsRoger Federer loses his cool with chair umpire at French Open, but holds nerve to beat Marin Cilic
The Swiss was unhappy about being given a warning.
-
NewsAndy Murray’s comeback delayed again as he withdraws from Nottingham grass-court event
Murray set to make singles comeback at Queen’s Club.
-
French OpenJohn McEnroe on Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal: Grand Slams’ stance resulted in a lose-lose for everyone
Grand Slams’ response “exploded in their face”, says John McEnroe.
-
NewsCameron Norrie reaches Roland Garros third round for first time, likely to face Rafael Nadal
Cameron Norrie likely to face Rafael Nadal.
-
News‘I’ve had my fair share of tears this week,’ says Ashleigh Barty after ‘heartbreaking’ end to French Open
Ashleigh Barty retired with a left hip injury.
-
Wimbledon‘Why are vaccinated people not rewarded by being allowed to go to Wimbledon?’ asks Jamie Murray
Jamie Murray concedes he will need to “suck it up”.