The 38-year-old Williams, who said she would donate all her prize money to Australian bushfire relief funds, and good friend Caroline Wozniacki were beaten by American duo Asia Muhammad and Taylor Townsend 6-4 6-4. The 29-year-old Dane, who was beaten by Pegula in the singles semi-finals, is retiring after the Australian Open, which runs from Jan 20 to Feb. 2. She is chasing Australian Margaret Court’s record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, but has lost two Wimbledon and two U.S. Open finals since her 6-4 6-4 victory over elder sister Venus in Melbourne. “I was definitely improving as the week went on and I needed to because I had some tough matches,” Williams said. “I feel fortunate and blessed to be out here and to be healthy and to play.

Source: National Post January 12, 2020 08:37 UTC