Exclusive: Alycia Parks reveals practice session with Serena Williams; says 23-time Grand Slam champion is in great shape
The world No. 85 is through to the main draw of the WTA Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2026 after two wins in qualifying
Alycia Parks and Serena Williams, | © Julien Kammerer / PsnewZ / Tennis Majors
American Alycia Parks, ranked 85th in the world, has booked her place in the main draw of the WTA Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2026 after a straight-sets win over Spain’s Solana Sierra in the final qualifying round on Saturday.
The American, who reached the quarter-finals in Ostrava earlier in the week, defeated Sweden’s Rebeka Masarova 5-7, 6-0, 6-3 on Friday before getting past Sierra, seeded fifth in qualifying, 7-5, 6-3 to secure her spot in the 56-player main draw.
“Yesterday, I actually landed at 2:15 AM. I flew overnight to get here. So, I’m actually pretty match ready. I’m just riding the wave of having matches under my belt from Ostrava. My season has started good. I think I needed that mental break for off-season. So now I’m actually ready to play.,” Parks told Tennis Majors exclusively from Doha.
Parks’ break during the off-season included a few holidays and some quality time with family and friends at home — a luxury players cannot afford during the hectic 11-month tournament calendar.
“Being on tour, you don’t really have a chance to be home like that. I actually got a chance to stay home a little bit, enjoy my friends and family.”
The 25-year-old American often credits her faith for helping her through tough moments on and off the court and did the same in Doha. “I definitely pray before my matches. I always say, if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. If it’s not, it’s not. I just pray and I don’t dwell if I lose matches. That’s how I live my life,’ she said.
“I think she would kill it on tour” – Alycia Parks on a possible Serena Williams comeback
Another source of inspiration for Parks is 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, whom she considers a mentor. As rumours of a possible Williams comeback continue to gather momentum, Parks revealed that she practiced with the former world No 1 recently.
“I actually practiced with her last Monday. And I messaged her yesterday. She’s definitely a good mentor to me and she’s helped me a lot, especially in my practices.”
While she said she has no inside news about a possible Serena comeback, Parks added that if the 44-year-old does decide to return, she would be more than capable of competing at this level.
“She is in great shape. So I think she would kill it on tour,” Parks signed off.
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