Caroline Garcia was taken by surprise when she lost in two sets (7-6, 7-5) at home to world No. 79 Alycia Parks at the Lyon Open. The French lady was amazed by the intensity and enthusiasm of the 22-year-old American.
Propelled by an overexcited Lyon public, Caroline Garcia finally lost in front of her supporters in the WTA Lyon Open final to up-and-coming American Alicia Parks at 2 hours and 06 minutes, She is 22 years old and ranked 79th in the world, in two sets (7-6, 7-5).
The U.S. team performed well
The American’s serve was particularly solid, hitting eight aces in a row in the first set. Opposite, Caroline Garcia struggled in her return, while Alycia Parks continued with her maiden service for the Frenchwoman. It is precisely because of the super service that the 79th place in the world can make the locals question it.
If Garcia recovered in the second set and returned the American’s first ball more, the 22-year-old did not hold back and used other qualities to keep the pressure on: a well-controlled long ball or a devastating net front climb. She still connected six aces in the second set, more than the Frenchman in a two-set combination.
Lyon sports palace stunned by defeat
Caroline Garcia believed she had finally gained the upper hand against a calm opponent, even thanks to a double fault from Alycia Parks – she even gave herself a 5-5 break point in a small match in Lyon. But she responded with a very large first ball, which stayed in Lyon’s racket and came back. In the tie-break, Caroline Garcia got off to a good start but ended with a double fault in a deafening silence.
Caroline Garcia, who was adopted and made an ambassador for the event with which she is very close, was particularly nervous at the start of the week. The WTA No. 5 therefore believes her public will keep her playing, as she explained to L’Equipe: “It’s important, we’re at home, we’re in Lyon. Playing there, having the support of the public, experiencing moments that you don’t get the chance to experience anywhere else.”