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20-Year-Old Tennis Player Equals Venus Williams’ Long-Standing Record at US Open 2021

Published 08/31/2021, 11:30 AM EDT

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via Imago

Big servers have a massive added advantage in the Tennis. Speed, power, dip and accuracy are the ingredients for a great serve. In the WTA, Serena and Venus Williams have dominated the service records for a long period of time. With both sisters missing out on the US Open 2021, fans got a glimpse of their powerful presence through youngster Alycia Parks. In her first round match-up, Parks matched a phenomenal record.

The 20-year-old entered the US Open as a wildcard, and drew many eyes. Born in Atlanta, USA, Parks was a home favorite and received a lot of support in her opening bout. Before the tournament began, Parks was on the waiting line with Venus Williams set to make use of the wildcard. However, when the 41-year-old Grand Slam champion was entered into the main draw, Parks grabbed the wildcard with both hands. And in her Round-1 battle, she displayed some jaw-dropping tennis, particularly on her serve.

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Parks equals US Open service speed record held by Venus Williams

via Reuters

Previously, the former US Open winner Venus held the record for the fastest serve at Flushing Meadows. Ahead of other big servers such as her sister Serena, the American claimed the record way back in 2007. Since then, no player was able to match the speed of 129 mph, until the young Parks did so on Monday. She also sent down a service clocking 129 mph, equaling the great achievement.

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Playing in her first Grand Slam main draw, Alycia Parks took on Olga Danilovic in Round-1. Showcasing flashes of brilliance, Parks sent down some sensational serves, including the historic one. It brought back memories of the Williams legacy, way back when Venus also hit the serve in her first round encounter 14 years ago. It was a serving masterclass from a rising star in American tennis. Despite her best efforts and the record-matching serve, Parks went down 3-6 5-7 to her Serbian opponent.

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Although she suffered a premature exit, the signs are positive for the young Alycia Parks. Provided she keeps working hard, she will soon be converting these tight losses into convincing victories. Who knows, perhaps it is the growth of a future icon who can emulate the legendary Williams sisters!

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Written by:

Sankalp Harikrishnan

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Sankalp Harikrishnan is a tennis and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He aspires to pursue Sports Journalism and has represented his institution in cricket, badminton, football, and table tennis. Apart from his professional desires, Sankalp does voluntary service with his friends to feed hungry animals on a regular basis.
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