The name Alycia Parks will surely ring some bells for fans. Her fierce and charismatic demeanor is hard to pass on and, let’s not forget the wave she brought in 2022. A top-75 finish for that season felt like the starting of her era. But unfortunately, things only went downhill from there. Seeing that her performances were subpar in 2024, Parks has reflected on the very reason that held her back.

Parks had the most ideal start to the season this year. She reached the third round of the Australian Open – accounted as her best performance – but suddenly, she couldn’t escape a terrifying losing streak. In the four months that followed, the American player suffered 12 back-to-back losses on the tour. She was shown the door in the qualifying rounds, let alone reach the main draw almost every time. However, the young talent briefly composed herself, and, before her ranking could dwindle outside the top 100, Parks won a title.

The 23-year-old reinstated her dominion at the WTA 125K in Angers, having won the indoor event a few seasons back. Her third victory for the season, with the first two triumphs showcased in Gaiba and Warsaw, Parks’ season, wasn’t a complete disaster. But, where’s the explanation for her consecutive losing streak that disabled her chances for a few more wins?

During a November 5th interview with ‘CLAY Magazine‘, the American explained: “I’d say it was a bit rocky because I tried to change what was helping me win, which was obviously the wrong decision. I found the wrong answers, so I had to return to the basics and try to get back on my winning streak.” On top of that, she was missing her dad.

She needed him back as her primary coach because that’s the metric she has been used to since childhood. Taking that equation away left her clueless.

“– I did well in Australia 2024 (lost in the third round against Coco Gauff), but then I went on a losing streak—mainly due to distractions. I had to get back to what I was doing before, keeping it simple, going back to my dad for coaching advice, having him closer to me and things like that,” she added further.

However, some things remain constant and despite her struggles, Parks has remained true to her inspirational role model who doesn’t shy away from offering the American player critical expertise whenever needed.

Alyicia Parks expresses turning to Serena Williams in moments of distress

American young talent Alycia Parks wants what almost every rising star wants – emulating legendary Serena Williams. The 23-time Grand Slam champion is a role model to many, with the likes including Coco Gauff. However, when it comes to Parks, the former World No. 1 takes immense interest.

During the same interview, Parks highlighted how the Compton native sometimes rescues her from testing times with her frequent bits of advice.

“Serena is a great inspiration to me, she helps me a lot, she always did. I try to talk to her when I can, whenever I have a question I don’t hesitate to turn to her. Fortunately, she always gives me a good answer. I think the biggest thing she told me was ‘go back to what you were doing when you were winning’ and then she was saying obviously your parents know you better than anyone else and then she told me to go back to my dad, so that’s what I did,” said Parks, who considers herself as one of Serena’s protégé?

With a final victory to cap the 2024 season, Parks is free of tour-level commitments. Rest assured, the American player will return to action at the Australian hardcourt swing in 2025 and, if she maintains her winning streak, chances are that she qualifies for the big event in Melbourne.