Former world number one Naomi Osaka beat unseeded American Alycia Parks 6-4, 6-2 to reach her first final since 2022 at the Auckland Classic.
Osaka was contesting her first semi-final since 2022, having taken a break from tennis and becoming a mother in 2023 and returned to the sport a year ago.
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.
The 27 year old who recorded four wins this week against opponents ranked below her at a tournament lacking a strong field will face Clara Tauson of Denmark tomorrow at the finals.
