DPA/Auckland
Ana Ivanovic beat Venus Williams 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 yesterday to win the 12th title of her career and the first since 2011 with a victory at the ASB Classic.
The Serb, a world number one and French Open champion in 2008, lifted her last trophy at a WTA year-end event three years ago.
With the match level at a set each at Stanley Street, the 33-year-old Williams began the third with a pair of double faults to go down a break, which led her down the slippery slope to defeat in her New Zealand debut.
Williams, a seven-time grand slam winner ranked 47th, last won a trophy in Luxembourg in October 2012.
She came to the court with an 8-1 record over her Serbian opponent in their career series, with Ivanovic taking her victory at the Australian Open six years ago.
“It was very tough, Venus showed again what a great sport she is in what she’s done today and over all these years,” said Ivanovic.
This win should give the Serb some confidence going into the Australian Open which starts later this month.