TENNIS
Osaka 'really happy' after reaching first final since 2022
Naomi Osaka was in upbeat mood after beating Alycia Parks 6-4, 6-2 to reach the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The former World No.1 completed victory in little over an hour to seal her progress into a first final since 2022.
Osaka will take on Clara Tauson in Sunday's showdown and is pleased with her progress as she tunes up for the Australian Open, which starts on Sunday 12 January.
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She said: "I’ve actually never gotten to the final of the tournament the week before Melbourne, so this is a career first for me.
"I'm really happy. There are constantly things to improve or to get better, no matter how old you are.
"I was just trying to survive. She [Parks] was hitting such amazing shots, and I just kept thinking to myself, ‘Give her one more ball to play, try to get lucky.’
"There was one net cord ball that I really needed."
— ASB Classic (@ASB_Classic) January 4, 2025
In the other semi-final, Tauson set up a first career meeting with Osaka by beating Robin Montgomery 6-4, 6-3.
The Dane won two matches on Saturday after her quarter-final clash with Madison Keys was postponed due to rain on Friday and was delighted her fitness levels stood up to the task.
She said: "I really worked hard to get to this level again after many injuries, so I’m super happy with this result.
"Robin is a great player and we had a great match today. I’m just happy that I kept my cool and won it.
"It’s been some years since I’ve been in a final like this. I’m just going to try to enjoy it as much as I can."
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