Serena Williams Wins Title and Donates Prize Money to Australia Wildlife Relief
By: Kyle Daniels
The worlds favorite tennis star is back! Serena Williams won her 73rd singles title at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, on Sunday.
Instead of keeping the prize money, she donated the $43,000 to help those affected by the bushfires in Australia.
“It feels good,” Williams said, reports CNN. “It’s been a long time. I’ve been waiting two years for this moment. I think you could see the relief on my face.” The comeback champ also shared, “You have to be your biggest cheerleader.”
While donating her prize money is more than commendable, Williams is adding to the effort along with fellow tennis players Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal—by playing in a charity match called Australian Open Rally for Relief on January 15 to raise funds for the cause. All of the ticket proceeds will be donated to relief efforts.
“I’ve been playing in Australia for over 20 years and it has been really hard for me to watch all the news and everything that has been happening”, said Williams. “I decided at the beginning of the tournament, every match I played I’d donate a dress and I’d also donate all my prize money for a great cause. So thank you guys.”
