Naomi Osaka one win away from winning first title as mother at same event Serena Williams won first title as mother

Naomi Osaka reached the final ASB Classic in Auckland and is aiming for her first title as a mother at the same event where Serena Williams achieved the feat. It's the Japanese's first final since 2022.

On Saturday, January 4, Naomi Osaka faced Alycia Parks in her first semifinal since finishing runner-up at the Miami Open in 2022. Parks, 24, entered the match in fine form, having defeated third seed Amanda Anisimova and eighth seed Katie Volynets on her way to the semifinal.

However, seventh seed Osaka proved too strong for the American. The four-time Grand Slam champion displayed impressive shot-making and composure to secure a 6-4, 6-2 victory and advance to the final. Osaka will now face fifth-seed Clara Tauson in a bid to win her first title as a mother.

A similar milestone was achieved by Serena Williams at the same event in 2020. Williams, who gave birth to her daughter Olympia in 2017, returned to tennis in 2018 and claimed her first singles title as a mother two years later, defeating Jessica Pegula at the ASB Classic after dropping only one set throughout the tournament.

Osaka, on the other hand, returned to tennis last year after a maternity hiatus in 2023. Despite her struggles in 2024, with a quarterfinal finish being her best result, her remarkable run at the ASB Classic marks a promising start to her 2025 season.

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Naomi Osaka opens up about being a role model for kids like Serena Williams was for her

Serena Williams (L) and Naomi Osaka (Source: Getty)

During the post-quarterfinal press conference at the ASB Classic, Naomi Osaka was asked if it felt strange or easy to know that young players now look up to her in the same way she admired Serena Williams and Venus Williams as a child.

Osaka admitted she found the idea of young children looking up to her both adorable and humbling. She reflected on the responsibility of being a role model and acknowledged that she has not always been perfect in that role, but emphasized her ongoing efforts to improve each year.

The 27-year-old also expressed sadness over Serena's retirement and the eventual absence of Venus.

"I do feel a little sad that you know my great role model is gone which is Serena and of course Venus, and I hope that I’m able to play as many years as them and build a really good foundation for the sport."

For now, Osaka's focus will be on her ASB Classic final opponent Clara Tauson, who ousted top seed Madison Keys in the semifinals. The pair will face off in their first battle on tour on Sunday, January 5.