Eva Lys has been one of the standout young stars on the WTA Tour this season.
The German, who produced a marvellous run to the China Open quarter-finals in September, has risen 91 places since the end of 2024, to world number 40.
It has been a long journey to the top 100 for Lys, who made her WTA Tour singles debut at the 2022 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
Lys, who has been nominated for the 2025 WTA Newcomer of the Year award, began the season by producing an impressive run to the Australian Open fourth round and has since gone on to win further matches at Grand Slam and WTA 1000 events.
The 23-year-old concluded her year last week at the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in Germany, where she lost to Turkiye’s Zeynep Sonmez.
Eva Lys’ emotional end-of-season message
On Monday evening, Lys reflected on her 2025 season in a social media post, noting her gratitude for those who have supported her throughout the year.
On Instagram, Lys said: “From 130 to Top40… trying not to be too emotional but I’m tearing up looking back at this year.
“Pushed through pain, worries and sleepless nights… I’m so grateful for the people around me. For every message, every push, every moment of belief when mine was shaky.
“You all carried me through the year more than you know. A reminder of what showing up every day can do.”
Lys will hope to move further up the rankings in 2026. As it stands, she will not be seeded at future Grand Slam events, as her ranking is lower than 32.
In response to Lys’ Instagram post, world number 26 Marta Kostyuk suggested the German could ascend further up the rankings in 2026.
The Ukrainian said: “Love you! Top 20?”
Alexandra Eala, who has also been nominated for the 2025 WTA Newcomer of the Year award, said: “Amazing.”
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Coco Gauff was impressed by Eva Lys
In September, Lys played against world number three Coco Gauff in the China Open quarter-finals.
Gauff, who won the contest 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 28 minutes, noted how tough Lys is to play after clinching victory in Beijing.
As per the WTA, Gauff said: “She’s a tough opponent, she hit some incredible shots on the run.
“I was trying my best to stay aggressive. Just staying confident in my game and not being too passive when I have the lead.”
