Naomi Osaka reaches the ultimate of the ASB Traditional to look in her first WTA closing since 2022 and on her return to the game because the start of her first youngster | Tennis information

Naomi Osaka beat Alycia Parks in straight units on the ASB Traditional in New Zealand to achieve her first WTA closing since 2022 and since returning to tennis final yr after the start of her first youngster.

The four-time Grand Slam champion beat Parks 6-4 6-2 to advance to Sunday’s closing the place she is going to face Denmark’s Clara Tauson.

Osaka was enjoying in her first semifinal because the 2022 Miami Open, the place she defeated Belinda Bencic earlier than dropping to Iga Swiatek within the championship match.

She’s going to try and win her first title because the 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 sector on the 2024 Brisbane Worldwide, however struggled final yr to regain the shape that made her the world #1.

Ranked 57th earlier than Auckland, her semi-final victory introduced Osaka again into the highest 50 within the WTA Reside rankings.

“After all I am actually joyful to have reached the ultimate, however truly I’ve by no means reached the ultimate of a match the week earlier than Melbourne, so it is a first in my profession,” Osaka mentioned . Aerial Sports activities Tennis.

“I believe in my head I am at all times joyful that there are issues to enhance or consistently enhance on, irrespective of how previous you might be.”

Watch the ultimate of the Auckland Traditional, in addition to the United Cup and ATP and WTA occasions in Brisbane and Hong Kong dwell on Sky Sports activities Tennis this weekend or stream with NOW.