Serena Williams won her first tournament title since giving birth, earning praise from President Dоnald Trᴜmp on Sunday.

Williams ended a three-year title drought by defeating fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-4 to win the singles final at the ASB Classic. This marks her first title since the Australian Open singles in January 2017 and her first as a mother to daughter Alexis Olympia, who was court-side to witness the victory.

Williams celebrated her win with her husband, tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian. The tennis legend, 38, was seen holding her daughter Alexis Olympia in one hand while gripping the ASB Classic trophy in the other on Sunday in Auckland, New Zealand. The family was cheered on by Ohanian and Alexis Olympia, who congratulated Williams after her victory.

President Trump reacted to Williams’ win on Sunday, tweeting: “Congratulations to Serena Williams on another big win. She is a great player and an even greater person. Our members in Virginia (Tennis) will never forget you!” Trump referred to Williams’ appearance at the April 2015 inauguration of the tennis center at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.

Williams donated her $43,000 winner’s check to the fundraising appeal for victims of Australian wildfires, joining many other tennis stars who have pledged money to the months-long fire еmеrgеncy.

This title is the first for Williams since she went on maternity leave three years ago. The ASB Classic serves as a preparation tournament for the Australian Open, which begins next week in Melbourne.

Initially under pressure against the 25-year-old Pegula, playing in her third WTA final, Williams asserted herself more as the match progressed. This victory marked her 73rd win in 98 finals, adding her nаme to a trophy won by her sister, Venus, in 2015.

Williams said, “It feels good. It’s been a long time. I think you can see the relief on my face. 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.”

The past three years have been challenging for Williams as she balanced tennis and motherhood. However, she appeared to turn a corner during this demanding week, playing both doubles and singles, showing typical determination to reach the final and overcome Pegula, who had ousted former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinals.

Although Williams and Wozniacki lost their doubles final match against Asia Muhammad and Taylor Townsend, the pair enjoyed their time teaming up for the first time. Wozniacki, playing her second-to-last tournament before retirement, fulfilled a long-held ambition by teaming with Williams in doubles.

Williams might have had two titles on the same day, but she and Wozniacki were beaten 6-4, 6-4 by Americans Townsend and Muhammad in the doubles final. The young Americans broke the two former singles No. 1s in the third and seventh games of the first set and claimed the only break of the second set in the third game.