American Round-Up: Alison Riske, Tommy Paul close out 2021 seasons by lifting singles trophies

Every week, American players from the ATP and WTA tours step up to the plate around the world. Here are the top American movers and shakers that shone brightest this week:

1. Alison Riske

Champion, Upper Austria Ladies Linz (WTA 250)

Alison Riske battled past lucky loser Jacqueline Cristian, 2-6, 6-2, 7-5, to triumph in Linz. Until the final, the eighth seed had not dropped a set throughout the week. This marked Riske's third career WTA title and first since winning the Rosmalen Championships in June 2019.

2. Tommy Paul

Champion, Stockholm Open (ATP 250)

It took until the end of the season, but Tommy Paul picked up his first career ATP title. The 24-year-old took down third seed Denis Shapovalov, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, in the final. Paul also defeated fellow Americans Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz along the way and on Monday, achieved a career-high ranking of No. 43.

3. Sebastian Korda

Finalist, Next Gen ATP Finals

Sebastian Korda wasn't able to win the Next Gen ATP Finals title, but the 21-year-old still put on a show during his time in Milan. On his way to the final, Korda came back from two sets to one down against countryman Brandon Nakashima in the semifinals before finishing runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz. Despite the loss, Korda solidified his best year ever, which included his first tour-level title at the Emilia-Romagna Open back in May.

4. Alycia Parks

Singles and Doubles Finalist, Daytona Beach W25 (ITF)

Parks reached the final in both singles and doubles at the Daytona Beach ITF Tournament, though finished just short of the winner's circle. Second seed Irina Fetecau prevailed, 6-1, 6-2, in the singles championship match. Having ended the 2020 season ranked No. 364, Parks stands at No. 235 in the latest rankings.