Australian Open
Lucky Loser Lys a winner even without a sensation
In the biggest match of her career so far, Eva Lys’ limits are clearly shown. Top opponent Iga Swiatek is at least one size too big. The Australian Open is still a huge success.
After a short small talk at the net with her overpowering opponent, Eva Lys waved to the audience one last time and left the Rod Laver Arena smiling and holding her head high. In the biggest match of her life so far, the tennis player received a lesson – but didn’t lose her fun. The first female lucky loser to ever reach the round of 16 of the Australian Open was able to feel like a winner even without the sensation she was hoping for.
The fairytale journey in Melbourne is over after the 0:6, 1:6 against the Polish world number two Iga Swiatek. After just 59 minutes, Swiatek ended the unequal duel.
For the world rankings 128. Lys the tournament was still a huge success. The Hamburger had failed in the qualification and only slipped into the main draw 15 minutes before her first match as a substitute. There she caused a sensation with three victories and was given the nickname “Lucky Lys”.
Zverev is also excited
It was the “best week” of her career, said Lys: “Sometimes you just need a second chance.” National coach Torben Beltz spoke of a “little Cinderella story” that also thrilled Alexander Zverev, second in the world rankings: “I hope that she takes that with her and can continue to play the next tournaments like this and not that it will be a one-week thing.”
The success pays off for Lys in the ranking and on the account. She is guaranteed a jump into the top 100 of the world rankings after the tournament, as well as prize money of 252,000 euros.
Strong start, then no chance
It was a primetime performance, in the biggest arena at Melbourne Park. “For me there is no hotter match,” Lys said before the duel with Swiatek. On his day off from the game, quarter-finalist Zverev also kept his fingers crossed and advised Lys: “She should enjoy it.”
And that’s what Lys did at first. In the first return game she created two break chances – more than former US Open winner Emma Raducanu had in the entire previous match against Swiatek. But the Pole caught herself quickly and dominated the rallies.
The pace was often too high for Lys, who wanted to attack with the “lucky loser feeling”. So she hardly had the opportunity to use her power shots on the court. When the game was won 1:3 in the second set, there was great celebration in the otherwise silent Rod Laver Arena.
Autoimmune disease under control
Lys will never forget the wonderful days in Melbourne. It actually feels like a fairy tale, said mother Maria at Eurosport. Her daughter has matured a lot on and off the pitch: “She comes across as much more grown-up and relaxed to me.”
In the past, Lys often stumbled when she was on the verge of a breakthrough. In the meantime, the “absolute head person” (Lys about Lys) has learned to be calm. This also applies to dealing with her rheumatic autoimmune disease, which she made public last year. “I have to take care of my body, eat well, rest well.”
Relaxation is also just in order for the head. Despite the lesson in the round of 16, Lys can start the flight home, which she has had to rebook twice for herself and her family, with a real feeling of happiness.
dpa
Source: Stern

I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.