US tennis superstar Serena Williams has won the 73rd title of her career as she defeated Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-4 at the Auckland Classic in New Zealand.

Sunday's win meant that the 23-time grand slam champion has ended her three-year wait for another trophy. Her last title was at the 2017 Australian Open, during which she was pregnant with her daughter.

"It feels good, it has been a long time," said Williams, who returned to action in 2018. "I played an incredible opponent in Jessica and honestly it was a great match," added the 38-year-old.

"I have been playing for so long and been through so much and I'm happy to be doing something I love," added the former world number one.

"I feel fortunate and blessed to be out here and to be healthy and to play."

The win in Auckland is the 73rd title of her career.

Williams has offered to donate her prize money and a dress she wore in the tournament to the Australian bushfire appeals.

She will return on January 20 at the Australian Open, where she will bid to equal Margaret Court's record of 24 major titles