Naomi Osaka crushes Alycia Parks to make ASB Classic final

Naomi Osaka has returned to top form with a resounding victory over Alycia Parks, booking her spot in the ASB Classic final. The former world No. 1 dominated from start to finish, delivering a performance that signaled both her intent and growing confidence on her comeback trail. The match, played under Auckland’s sunny skies, was a showcase of Osaka’s trademark power, precision, and poise.

From the first serve, Osaka dictated the pace of play, using her aggressive groundstrokes to push Parks deep behind the baseline. Parks, known for her own big serve and athleticism, struggled to find rhythm against Osaka’s relentless pressure. The Japanese star broke early in both sets, immediately seizing control and never looking back. Her timing was sharp, her shot selection thoughtful, and most notably, her serve—once a weapon she could lean on—was clicking again with regularity.

What was most impressive was the composure Osaka showed throughout the match. Since returning from maternity leave, she has been gradually rebuilding her form, facing both physical and mental hurdles. This semifinal, however, looked like the kind of breakthrough she’s been working toward. There were few signs of rust or hesitation. She moved fluidly, reacted instinctively, and unleashed winners with the kind of conviction that made her a four-time Grand Slam champion.

Alycia Parks, for her part, tried to hang tough, but was overwhelmed by the consistency and pace coming from Osaka’s racquet. Parks had difficulty holding serve and couldn’t convert the few chances she had to get back into the match. Still a rising star with a powerful game, this semifinal proved a valuable learning experience against a seasoned major champion.

For Osaka, the win marks her first final appearance since her return to the WTA Tour and is a clear statement to the rest of the field. She’ll now look to capture the ASB Classic title, a milestone that would not only mark a successful comeback but also inject momentum heading into the Australian Open season.

With this dominant victory, Naomi Osaka has once again reminded the tennis world of her elite caliber. If this performance is any indication of what’s to come, she may be on the verge of another incredible run on tour.