Naomi Osaka advanced to the ASB Classic final after a dominant 6-4, 6-2 victory over world No. 78 Alycia Parks in the semifinals. This marks her first final appearance since 2022.
The former world No. 1 returned to competitive tennis in 2024 after taking a break in 2023 to become a mother. Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis about reaching the final, Osaka shared her excitement about achieving a new career milestone.
“Of course, I’m really happy to get through to the final, but I’ve actually never reached the final of a tournament the week before Melbourne, so this is a career-first for me,” Osaka said. “I think, in my head, I’m always happy there are things to constantly improve or get better at, no matter how old you are.”
In the final, Osaka will face 22-year-old Danish player Clara Tauson, who secured her spot with a 6-4, 6-3 win over American Robin Montgomery. To claim her first title since the 2021 Australian Open, Osaka will need to be at her best against the in-form Tauson.
The match promises to be an exciting showdown as both player fight for the first Tennis title of the year.
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