Olaniyi AyoolaAlycia Parks delivered a commanding performance at the 2024 Veneto Open in Gaiba, Italy, securing both the singles and doubles titles at the WTA 125-level event. This remarkable achievement underscores her versatility and resilience on the professional tennis circuit.
Entering the tournament as the top seed in the qualifying rounds, Parks faced an early challenge, saving two match points against Anna Sisková to secure her place in the main draw. She then proceeded to dominate the singles field, culminating in a decisive 6–3, 6–1 victory over fellow American Bernarda Pera in the final. Parks’ powerful serve and aggressive play were evident as she won 86% of her first-service points and 84% of points on Pera’s second serve, despite recording 13 double faults during the match .
In doubles, Parks partnered with compatriot Hailey Baptiste to claim the title. The unseeded duo triumphed over the second-seeded team of Miriam Kolodziejová and Anna Sisková with a 7–6(4), 6–2 win in the final. Their path to the championship included a notable first-round victory against the top-seeded pair of Anna Danilina and Xu Yifan .
This double triumph at Gaiba marks Parks’ third WTA 125 singles title, adding to her previous victories in Andorra la Vella and Angers in December 2022. The success also propels her WTA singles ranking from No. 148 to No. 121, bringing her closer to re-entering the Top 100—a position she last held in August 2023 when she reached a career-high of World No. 40 following her WTA 250 title win in Lyon .
Parks’ performance at the Veneto Open, the only grass-court event at the WTA 125 level, not only highlights her adaptability across different surfaces but also positions her as a formidable contender in the upcoming grass-court season. Her achievements in Gaiba demonstrate a significant step forward in her career, reflecting both her skill and determination on the court.
Olaniyi Ayoola
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John Owolabi
