Alycia Parks reveals secret key behind her sensational triumph in Lyon
WTA
Alycia Parks started last season outside of the Top 200, and now, she is knocking on the door of the Top 50 after a stunning run to the title at the WTA Lyon Open.
Although Parks is a talented player with much firepower, her low ranking at the start of the week in France meant no one predicted she would finish the tournament by lifting the trophy and claiming her first WTA Tour-level title.
However, Parks produced one of the most unexpected runs seen in recent years in Lyon. The 22-year-old defeated Julia Grabher, Petra Martic, Danka Kovinic, and Maryna Zanevska to set up a final with home favorite Caroline Garcia.
Parks and Garcia's battle was very tight, with only one break of serve in the match. But Parks played the more significant points better to overcome Garcia 7-6, 7-5 and stun the WTA Finals Champion in front of a crowd that gave her vocal backing.
The hard-hitting American spoke afterward about her success. She discussed the importance of focusing on her service games in the final and maintaining the same routine throughout the successful week in Lyon.
"It feels amazing to hold my first WTA Tour-level championship trophy. Words can’t explain. Just last year, I was in an [ITF Challenger] $60,000 final, and now I have won a WTA 250."
"I made sure I focused on my service games today to get through the match, because I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy match. So just staying within myself, and fighting for every point, and that got me through the match."
"The key to a successful week for me was keeping the same routine. I wake up around the same time every morning, and eat the same breakfast, same dinner. Basically just doing the same routine, try to make it a habit if it’s working."
