A double fault to finish, as the symbol of the immense frustration experienced by Caroline Garcia and the Palais des Sports de Gerland this Sunday afternoon.
The Lyonnais had rushed en masse, hoping to attend the first coronation at home of their champion.
But despite a sold-out venue (3,600 spectators), the support of OL women (Ada Hegerberg, Eugénie Le Sommer, etc.) and ASVEL president Tony Parker, the Frenchwoman fell on a bone, named Alicia Parks, winner 7-6 (9-7), 7-5, after a standoff of two hours and six minutes.
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The 22-year-old American spoiled the party by winning her first 250 title on the circuit thanks to a frightening service (15 aces, 85% of points won on her first serve) that Garcia never knew how to read.
It even took 1h23 of the match and the ninth service game for the Frenchwoman to finally get a break opportunity, at 2-2 in the second set.
Parks' response?
A service winner... on the second ball.
Even stronger at 5-5 when Garcia got three new break possibilities, all saved without batting an eyelid by Parks, including an ace on a second ball.
Five minutes later, the case was closed.
Garcia on the verge of tears
With red eyes and a completely hoarse voice when paying tribute to the organization and the public, Caroline Garcia, on the verge of tears on her bench after the match point, could only recognize the superiority of an opponent who did not was however ranked only 79th in the world at the start of the week.
Also ambassador of the tournament, the Lyonnaise had still not found the key to the match when speaking to the media, an hour after her defeat.
"I haven't been able to find any solutions on his service.
I tried to move forward, to retreat...I could have anticipated better but it was a one in two chance.
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Read alsoTennis: Caroline Garcia, heart of Lyon
Two weeks after being surprised by Magda Linette in the round of 16 of the Australian Open, Caroline Garcia was counting on her week at home to regain full confidence and set off again to conquer the heights.
The objective is partly achieved with this almost full week: “I'm obviously disappointed to have lost in the final but it was a good week.
A final is always good to take for confidence.
I would have liked to win one more match but there are a lot of positives to remember.
“In particular, from the perspective of Roland-Garros, his ability to “play” with the public: “I found a good middle ground in this tournament, a good attitude that will help me win matches.
“But not the final of this Open 6th Sense which therefore escapes him once again.
Small consolation for the Lyon public: leaving the Palais des Sports de Gerland at night, many wondered if they had not attended a preview of the advent of the new Serena Williams.
Caroline Garcia does not see as far ahead but concedes: “If she always serves like that, she has a good chance of playing well.
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