Agency Report –
Germany’s Eva Lys has become the first women’s single lucky loser to reach the last 16 at the Australian Open in the Open era as she extended her fairy-tale run with another impressive victory on Saturday.
The world number 128, who missed out on qualifying for the tournament but was handed another opportunity to compete in the main draw after a player pulled out, beat Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian in three sets to progress to the last 16.
“Sometimes you just need a second chance,” said Lys, who won 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. “It definitely doesn’t feel real.”
Kiev-born Lys is a former German champion and last year went public with a rheumatic autoimmune disease which has made her miss tournaments on short notice.
The 23-year-old’s surprise run has made waves across Melbourne and back home in Germany, with three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker calling her progression to the last 16 a “dream journey” on broadcaster Eurosport.
Lys’ success has come despite the absence of her coach – and father – as he left Melbourne after she failed to qualify.
Next up for the 23-year-old is Polish star Iga Swiatek, who trashed Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-0 in the third round.
“There is no better match for me,” Lys said on Eurosport. “That’s the reason why I play tennis. I want to compete with the best in the world.”
The match-up with five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek, currently the world number two, could prove one step too far for Lys, but she has already earned prize money of $260,000 and will enter the world’s top 100 for the first time.
“These days have totally changed my life,” said Lys.
