Eva Lys, the 128th-ranked German tennis player, left her mark on the 2025 Australian Open in an unforgettable fashion. As a lucky loser who barely made the main draw, Lys not only stormed into the tournament’s second week but also made history, shattered personal milestones, and walked away with a career-defining payday.
A fairytale journey
Lys’ journey at the Happy Slam was nothing short of magical. Becoming the first lucky loser since 1988 to reach the Australian Open’s round-of-16, the 23-year-old captivated tennis fans worldwide. Her stunning performance also secured her spot in the WTA’s top-100 for the first time, marking a monumental leap in her career.
While her dream run ended with a straight-sets defeat to world No. 2 Iga Swiatek on Monday, Lys was all smiles, savoring the experience.
“It’s definitely, I think, the nicest week I’ve had in my life,” she said. “It wasn’t really only about the result but also about the whole story.”
A life-changing payday
Lys’ historic run brought more than just a ranking boost—it brought a financial windfall. Before the tournament, Lys had earned $798,000 in career prize money. Her Melbourne campaign added an eye-popping $420,000 to her earnings, pushing her career total past the $1 million mark.
In a video captured by the Australian Open, Lys was visibly stunned when told how much she had earned.
“That’s insane,” Lys exclaimed, putting her hands to her face. “That’s a number I have never even heard in my life.”
The heartfelt moment showcased the joy and disbelief of an athlete achieving a career milestone that felt like a distant dream just weeks ago.
A week to remember
Despite her eventual loss to Swiatek, Lys left Melbourne with her head held high and memories she’ll cherish forever. Her story resonated with fans, embodying the unpredictability and magic of tennis’ biggest stages.
The German’s performance is a testament to resilience, opportunity, and seizing the moment—a lucky loser turned top-100 player, rewriting history along the way.
