(Lyon) The American Alycia Parks caused a great surprise by defeating the French Caroline Garcia 7-6 (7), 7-5 in the final of the Open tennis Métropole de Lyon, Sunday.
Against Garcia, the No. 5 player in the world and WTA Finals champion last November, Parks won her first career title on the WTA Tour.
22 years old and holder of 79e rank in the WTA rankings, Parks had 15 aces and saved all four break points she faced against the tournament favorite.
In the first set tiebreaker, Parks scored a first mini-break on the eighth run to give himself a 5-3 lead.
Garcia salvaged that mini-break two points later before flinching back to his serve in what would become the final point of the first set tiebreak.
Parks, who was not seeded, had the game’s only break in the 12e and last game of the second set. She pulled off the feat by winning the last four points of the game.
“I think France holds a special place in my heart right now. I’ll be back next year,” said Parks, who has already climbed to 75e world ranking rank.
A semi-finalist at the US Open last year, Garcia was looking for a 12e career title.
PHOTO CARL RECINE, REUTERS ARCHIVES
Caroline Garcia
“Congratulations on a great tournament,” Garcia told Parks, in English. “If you keep playing like this, you will definitely keep gaining places [au classement]. »
The 29-year-old Frenchwoman, who grew up in Lyon, took the time to thank the crowd — this time, in French.
“It means a lot to play here. Thanks for being here,” Garcia said.
“You supported me from the first point to the last. Thank you for all your encouragement. »
