Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka defeated Alycia Parks 6-4, 6-2 at the ASB Classic, reaching her first WTA final in nearly three years. The Japanese star appears to have regained her form at the start of the season, dispatching the American young talent with ease.
The former World No. 1 has secured her return to the top 50 after almost a year and will face Danish player Clara Tauson for the title. Osaka currently holds a 7-4 record in finals, with her last title coming nearly four years ago at the 2021 Australian Open, where she beat American Jennifer Brady.
Interestingly, of the 11 finals Osaka has played, she had never before reached a WTA 250 final (with three in WTA 500s, four in WTA 1000s, and four in Grand Slams).
The 27-year-old was exceptional on serve, landing 75% of her first serves and winning 62% of those points. Although she started the first set at a disadvantage after conceding a break, she quickly turned things around, winning four consecutive games before closing the set 6-4.
In the second set, Osaka got off to the best possible start, earning an early break and taking a 2-0 lead within minutes. Parks struggled to respond to Osaka's serve, and her own serve's effectiveness waned as the set progressed. Parks won only 52% of her service points in the second set, compared to Osaka’s 71%. A second break put Osaka ahead 5-1, and she sealed the victory on her serve (6-4, 6-2).
Osaka will face Clara Tauson on Saturday in the final, a player she has never faced before. Currently ranked World No. 49, Osaka could rise to No. 42 with a title win, just in time for the Australian Open.
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Naomi Osaka’s footwork to prepare a down the line backhand 😍 pic.twitter.com/4212oIMx1S
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) 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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- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
