Naomi Osaka endured a very challenging 2024 season after returning to the tour following a 15-month absence, during which she gave birth to her daughter Shai in 2023.

But she is starting 2025 in excellent fashion and hopes to leave New Zealand with the title in her possession.

What did Naomi Osaka do for the first time after reaching the ASB Classic final?

Osaka rallied from 1-3 down in the first set against Alycia Parks to win five of the next six games to go into the lead.

The former World number one opened up a 5-2 lead in set two, but faced three break points before some excellent serves helped her fight back.

After one hour and 11 minutes, Osaka sealed a 6-4, 6-2 victory and was thrilled to reach her first final of a tournament before competing at the Australian Open.

“It was definitely really important. I’m happy to get through to the final,” the four-time Grand Slam champion said during her on-court interview.

“I’ve actually never gotten to the final of a tournament the week before Melbourne. This is a career first for me. I think in my head I’m really happy there are always things to improve and get better, no matter how old you are.”

What did Naomi Osaka say about beating Alycia Parks at the ASB Classic?

Osaka played Parks for the first time and produced a convincing display to defeat the hard-hitting American.

Despite the scoreline suggesting it was a comfortable victory, Osaka said she was trying her utmost to stay with Parks, who is known for her thunderous serve and aggressive hitting.

But when at her best, there are few players who can produce such a high level of play with that approach other than Osaka.

“I was just trying to survive. She was hitting such amazing shots. I kept thinking to myself ‘Give her one more ball to play try to get lucky’” Osaka added.

“I know there was one net cord ball that I really needed. So I’m really sorry to her but I really needed that. Just tried to focus on my serve and kept pushing.”

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