Alone in Ostrava, Alycia Parks earns milestone week with Pliskova, Sakkari stunners
Despite an empty players box, the devout American scored back-to-back career wins at the WTA 500, first over former No. 1 Karolina Pliskova, then struck 59 winners to shock Maria Sakkari.
WATCH: Parks addressed the Ostrava crowd after the three-set victory over Sakkari.
Alycia Parks gave it up to God at the AGEL Open, and He has absolutely delivered as the American surged into her first WTA 500 quarterfinal with back-to-back stunners over Karolina Pliskova and Maria Sakkari.
“I know it was God, once again,” Parks said on-court after striking her 59th winner of the match to shock former No. 3 Sakkari, 5-7, 7-5, 7-5—backing up her first Top 20 win over Pliskova with a first against the world’s Top 10.
“I trained so hard this year, and this year has actually been pretty tough for me,” explained the American, later adding, “I just came out here, not expecting anything but playing my game.”
First I always call on God because I thank Him first, but then I'll call my dad and a couple of my friends and family! Alycia Parks
Known for her big serve, Parks made the most of her equally explosive ground game on Ostrava’s slow indoor courts, landing just under 60 winners to delight her friends and family watching in the States.
“I’m here alone but that’s ok; I have support back at home, and I can feel it over the phone!” she joked, waving to the camera.
Parks will get a chance for another big victory in the last eight as 2021 Roland Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova stands between the 21-year-old qualifier and her first WTA semifinal.
In search of her Top 100 debut, she will likely earn a career-high ranking regardless of what happens this week, putting her in position to make a 2023 Australian Open main-draw debut.