“I practice with her three times a week”: Alycia Parks shares new details on Serena Williams sessions

Alycia Parks began her 2026 Miami Open campaign with a straight-sets win over Sinja Kraus, prevailing 7-5, 7-6 in a match that tested her composure despite the scoreline. The American, ranked outside the top tier but building momentum early in the season, secured her place in the second round after a performance defined by aggressive returning and improved focus in key moments.

The victory marks a shift for Parks, who had lost her previous three opening-round matches before arriving in Miami. It also represents her second consecutive year advancing beyond the first round at the tournament, offering a degree of continuity at an event where conditions have previously suited her game.

Statistically, Parks’ performance was underpinned by her effectiveness on return, converting six of nine break-point opportunities while conceding five breaks on her own serve. The balance between risk and control proved decisive, particularly in a second-set tiebreak where she maintained clarity under pressure.

“I just tried to tell myself to refocus,” Parks said, acknowledging a lapse in concentration during the opening set. “I told myself to slow down… you don’t want to go to a third set.” That adjustment allowed her to regain control and close out the match in straight sets.

A significant element behind Parks’ recent progress has been her ongoing training sessions with Serena Williams. The 23-time Grand Slam champion has been working with Parks in the United States, providing both technical input and broader guidance as the younger American continues to develop her game.

Parks revealed that the connection came through a direct approach, reaching out to Williams during the Middle East swing and arranging practice sessions upon her return. Since then, the two have been training regularly, with Parks describing a consistent schedule when she is based at home.

“Yeah, I did text her when I was in the Middle East and I was like, ‘Hey, can you practice when I come back to the States?’ and she was like, ‘Yeah, let’s go.’ So we got in a few sessions and yeah, she’s been helping me. When I’m home, I would say probably three times a week.”

According to Parks, Williams remains in strong physical condition and continues to strike the ball at a high level. While there has been ongoing speculation about a potential return to competition, Parks indicated that their time together has focused on training rather than discussions about future plans.

“She’s hitting good. Yeah, she’s definitely fit. She looks great and she’s hitting the ball amazing. We don’t really talk about her coming back, just like fun stuff when we are talking.”

The influence of those sessions has begun to translate into match situations. Parks pointed to specific areas of improvement, including patience on slower balls and the development of clearer point construction patterns, elements often associated with Williams’ own approach during her career.

Beyond technical adjustments, Parks emphasised the psychological benefit of training alongside one of the sport’s most successful players. The exposure, she said, has provided additional confidence when stepping onto the match court, reinforcing habits developed in practice. “It definitely gives me a lot of confidence. I do feel like the stuff that she’s teaching me in practice, it is applying in my game and matches. So I’m just going to keep doing that and keep building from that.”

That confidence was evident during critical moments against Kraus, particularly in the second-set tiebreak. Parks approached the situation with a clear and simple mindset, focusing on holding serve and maintaining consistency on return rather than overcomplicating the scenario.

She also demonstrated the ability to manage external factors, drawing on previous experiences of playing in front of partisan crowds. Reflecting on earlier matches in similar environments, Parks noted that familiarity with those conditions has helped her remain focused under pressure. “I think because I’ve been in that situation before… it wasn’t anything new for me.”

Parks will now face 33rd seed Maria Sakkari in the second round, a more demanding test against a player with a proven record at the Miami Open, including a previous semifinal appearance. The matchup offers a clearer indication of Parks’ current level as she looks to build on a start shaped not only by results, but also by the influence of a high-profile training partnership.