Olaniyi AyoolaIn the second round of the 2025 Miami Open, Leylah Fernandez faced Alycia Parks in a much-anticipated rematch. Fernandez emerged victorious, defeating Parks in straight sets, 7-6(1), 6-3, on March 20, 2025 .
This match marked their second encounter, with Parks having won their previous meeting at the 2024 Australian Open in straight sets . Fernandez, ranked World No. 26, entered the match aiming to break a three-match losing streak, while Parks, ranked No. 53, sought to continue her momentum after a first-round victory over Varvara Gracheva .
The first set was tightly contested, with both players exchanging breaks and showcasing their strengths—Parks with her powerful serve and Fernandez with her agility and defensive skills. The set culminated in a tiebreak, where Fernandez dominated, winning 7-1 . In the second set, Fernandez capitalized on her momentum, breaking Parks’ serve early and maintaining her lead to close out the set 6-3 .
Fernandez’s victory not only avenged her previous loss to Parks but also marked a significant step in her 2025 season, potentially boosting her confidence for upcoming matches. For Parks, the match highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining consistency against top-tier opponents.
This encounter underscored the evolving dynamics between the two players and set the stage for potential future matchups. As the Miami Open progresses, both athletes will look to build on this experience to advance further in the tournament.
Musa
Olaniyi Ayoola
