Venus Williams’ journey to the top echelons of the racquet game was not without challenges, as she faced a number of struggles due to her Sjögren’s Syndrome. However, the American tennis star is not the only one on the women’s tour whose compulsive journey has been hindered by an autoimmune disease. Just like Williams, the young WTA player, Eva Lys, is also suffering from this disease, which has forced her to withdraw from different tournaments this season.

The German player has only played a handful of matches this season, and she also pulled out of two tournaments on the ITF circuit. Amid all the concerns surrounding her withdrawals and breaks, Lys previously revealed that she is suffering from rheumatic autoimmune disease, a type of arthritis that attacks the spine and in some cases also the joints of the arms and legs.

Back in 2020, Eva was diagnosed with this disease and it has since prevented her from moving to the top rankings on the women’s tour. In a social media post, the young tennis star stated, “In 2020, shortly after winning my first ITF 25K title, I was diagnosed with a rheumatic autoimmune disease (spondylarthritis). This has been a physical challenge that I face every day alongside the demands of my sport.”

Eva Lys, a Ukrainian-born tennis player who has proudly represented Germany since her childhood, recently expressed gratitude to her medical and athletic support team. This dedicated group helped her overcome a challenging diagnosis and get back on the court. Lys also sent a strong message to those who doubted her strength during this time. Answering all the naysayers, Lys opened up about how ‘no one knows what goes on behind the scenes’ for athletes.

With a strong start to 2024, including three tournaments before her 22nd birthday, Eva Lys (currently ranked 143rd) had fans excited. She battled through qualifying at the Australian Open and a WTA 1000 event in Dubai, showcasing her determination. However, a recent absence from the tour has sparked concern among her supporters, leaving them wondering when they’ll see her back on court.

Despite struggling with an autoimmune disease, Eva is still pursuing her athletic dreams as she will now participate in the French Open, where she recently delivered some stellar performances.

Eva Lys’ run to the main draw event of the French Open

As she is currently ranked 143 on the WTA circuit, the German player had to compete in the qualifying round fixtures of the Roland Garros. She started her campaign in Paris by outshining her French opponent, Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah, in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5. Eva Lys then clinched another thumping victory as she overcame Lulu Sun with a score of 6-1, 6-2.

The 22-year-old player’s game against the Russian Anastasia Zakharova was an absolute delight to watch for the tennis community. In a three-set thrilling match, Lys defeated Zakharova with a score of 6-3, 6-7, 6-1, as she secured a place in the main draw fixtures of the clay Grand Slam event. Eva has now been given the challenging task of squaring off against the 23-seeded French player Caroline Garcia in the opening-round match.

Do you think that the young German tennis star can pull off an upset against Caroline Garcia? Let us know in the comments section.