"Serena Williams told me to go back to my dad" - Alycia Parks reveals how American played big role in regaining her winning spirit

Alycia Parks has always been open about her admiration for Serena Williams, and this time was no exception. She thanked the tennis legend for guiding her back to a winning mindset after struggling to regain her confidence.

Parks had a breakthrough season in 2023, securing her first WTA title, a Top-5 win, breaking into the Top 40 in both singles and doubles and winning a WTA 1000 doubles title. She carried that momentum into 2024, reaching the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time at the Australian Open.

However, things began to go downhill for the American soon. She briefly teamed up with Sascha Bajin, Williams's former hitting partner and Naomi Osaka's ex-coach, but the partnership lasted less than a month.

Afterwards, Alycia Parks reunited with her father cum longtime coach Michael, who had been with her since childhood and regained her footing. In a recent interview with CLAY, she shared that this decision came with guidance from Serena Williams, who advised her to return to her roots.

"Serena is a big inspiration, she helps me a lot. I talk to her here and there. When I have a question I ask her and she always gives me a good answer," Parks said.

"I think the biggest thing she told me was ‘go back to what you were doing when you were winning’ and then she was saying obviously your parents know you better than anyone else and then she told me to go back to my dad, so that’s what I did," the World No. 81 added.

Notably, Serena and Venus' father Richard was instrumental in their development, serving as their childhood coach. His guidance laid the foundation for two remarkable careers, with both sisters becoming legends of the sport.