This Sunday, the first champion of the 2025 WTA Tour will be decided in the ASB Classic final between Naomi Osaka (No. 57) and Clara Tauson (No. 50). Both players entered as favourites and are looking to break multi-year title droughts.
The four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka breezed past Alycia Parks in the semifinals, while Tauson defeated Robin Montgomery in straight sets. Osaka's journey to the final included wins over Lina Glushko, Julia Grabher, and Hailey Baptiste.
For the 27-year-old Japanese star, this is her first final in nearly three years and an opportunity to claim her first trophy since becoming a mother. Her last title was at the 2021 Australian Open. Osaka, who boasts seven career titles, including four Grand Slams, has yet to win a WTA 250 event.
The 22-year-old Danish player had to play two matches in a single day after her quarterfinal match against Madison Keys was postponed due to rain on Friday. It was completed on Saturday morning, with Tauson securing a 6-4, 7-6(7) victory.
After defeating the top seed, she then faced American Robin Montgomery, earning another straight-sets win (6-4, 6-3). Like Osaka, Tauson has not reached a final in a long time, with her last appearance being in October 2021 at the WTA 250 Courmayeur Ladies Open, where she lost to Donna Vekic.
This will be the first meeting between Tauson and Osaka. Serving could be the decisive factor, as Tauson showcased her strength with 26 aces against Sofia Kenin earlier this week, placing her among the top five players with the most aces in a single match.
Against Montgomery, Tauson achieved a 60% first-serve rate, winning 76% of those points, and hit 7 aces. Osaka, meanwhile, posted slightly better stats against Parks, with a 62% first-serve rate, winning 78% of those points, and recording 4 aces.
Posting this Naomi Osaka crosscourt forehand winner because it’s stunning pic.twitter.com/3SVJMfuscB
— Tanya (@ScriptedTanya) January 4, 2025
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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