It had been one of the most eagerly anticipated finals in the history of the ASB Classic as former French Open champion and current world No 16 Ivanovic took on seven-time grand slam singles winner Williams.
For the first hour, it was entirely comfortable for Ivanovic but she was pushed hard by Williams who tried desperately to find her range.
There were too many errors, particularly from Williams, for the match to be considered a classic, but there was plenty of drama and it was the best final at the ASB Classic for some time.
Ivanovic had a match-point when serving at 5-4 in the second set, before Williams awoke and played her best tennis of the match. She broke Ivanovic twice to take the second set but was broken in the first game of the third set, when she double faulted twice, and never recovered.
Williams had two break points when Ivanovic was serving for the match but the Serb held her nerve.
It was Ivanovic's second win in 10 matches between the two and first since the quarter-finals of the 2008 Australian Open. It was also her 12 WTA title and first since Bali in 2011.
Her serve was a lot more consistent - she hit 67 per cent of her first serves to Williams' 51 - moved well and hit a number of quality forehand winners. She also fought hard, holding two crucial service games in the final set when facing break points.
The Serbian dropped to the ground in celebration after Williams sent a forehand long on match point.
- APNZ
