Naomi Osaka defeated Alycia Parks in straight units on the ASB Traditional in New Zealand to achieve her first WTA remaining since 2022 and since her return to tennis final yr after the delivery of her first little one.
The four-time Grand Slam champion defeated Parks 6-4 6-2 to advance to Sunday’s remaining the place she is going to face Denmark’s Clara Tauson.
Osaka was enjoying in her first semi-final for the reason that 2022 Miami Open, the place she defeated Belinda Bencic earlier than dropping to Iga Swiatek within the championship match.
She shall be making an attempt to win her first title for the reason that 2021 Australian Open.
The Japanese star introduced she was stepping away from tennis simply earlier than the 2023 Australian Open after revealing she was pregnant.
Osaka made her return to the court docket on the 2024 Brisbane Worldwide, however struggled final yr to regain the shape that made her world No 1.
Ranked 57th heading into Auckland, her semi-final victory moved Osaka again into the highest 50 of the WTA Reside Rankings.
“Of course I’m really happy to get through to the final, but I’ve actually never got to the final of a tournament the week before Melbourne, so this is a career-first for me,” Osaka mentioned on Sky Sports activities Tennis.
“I think in my head I’m always happy there’s things to constantly improve or get better, no matter how old you are.”
Watch the Auckland Traditional remaining, plus the United Cup and ATP and WTA occasions in Brisbane and Hong Kong reside on Sky Sports activities Tennis this weekend or stream with NOW.
