Naomi Osaka is back in a WTA final for the first time since her comeback from maternity leave commenced last January. The four-time major champion eased past American Alycia Parks 6-4, 6-2 in Auckland to reach her first final since the spring of 2022 – she will face Denmark’s Clara Tauson in Sunday’s final at the ASB Classic.
"I’ve actually never gotten to the final of the tournament the week before Melbourne, so this is like a career first for me," 27-year-old Osaka said on court after improving to 4-0 on the season. "I’m really happy there’s constantly things to improve or to get better, no matter how old you are."
Osaka needed 71 minutes to dispatch Parks, but she was tested early, and trailed by a break in the opening set before reeling off 12 of the final 15 games.
Osaka saved nine of 10 break points and converted four of six against Parks.
Earlier on Saturday, Tauson finished off double duty by defeating Robin Montgomery 6-4, 6-3 to reach her first tour final since 2021. The World No.50 finished off her rain-suspended 6-4, 7-6(7) win over Madison Keys in the quarterfinals to start the day.