Olaniyi AyoolaAlycia Parks delivered one of the most dramatic comebacks of the season by saving a match point and rallying from a set and 5-2 down to defeat Varvara Gracheva in a gripping encounter. The match seemed all but over in the second set, but Parks showed tremendous grit and mental toughness to claw her way back and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The opening set saw Gracheva dominate the rhythm and keep Parks on the defensive. With clean ball striking and clever placement, Gracheva moved Parks around the court and broke serve twice to seal the first set. In the second, Gracheva maintained her momentum and quickly built a 5-2 lead, appearing poised to wrap up the win in straight sets. She even held a match point, but Parks saved it with a fearless backhand winner down the line.
That moment sparked a turnaround. Parks began playing more aggressively, dictating rallies with her powerful serve and groundstrokes. Her confidence surged as Gracheva started to tighten under pressure. Parks broke twice to even the set at 5-all and then held her nerve to push it into a decider. The third set was all Parks. Her serve became nearly untouchable, and she continued to apply pressure with deep, attacking returns. Gracheva, who had controlled the match for so long, struggled to recover mentally from the missed opportunity in the second set.
Parks ultimately completed the comeback with a commanding third set, sealing the win with an ace on match point. The final scoreline was a testament to her resilience and shot-making under pressure. It also marked a significant mental breakthrough for the American, who has been seeking more consistency in tight matches.
This win could serve as a turning point in Parks’ season. Known for her powerful game but sometimes streaky performances, she proved she has the mental fortitude to fight through adversity and win when it matters most. For Gracheva, it will be a tough loss to digest, especially after being so close to victory. But for spectators, the match was a thrilling rollercoaster and a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in tennis. Parks’ refusal to give in, even when the odds looked grim, made this comeback one of the standout moments of the tournament.
Musa
