Eva Lys Slams German Media for Brutally Criticizing Her After Madrid Open Exit

Eva Lys suffered a 6-4, 6-3 defeat at the hands of Zhang Shuai in the first round of the ongoing Madrid Open. This marked her fourth first-round exit this season.

Lys started her campaign for the season at the Australian Open, where Sorana Cirstea knocked her out in straight sets. After skipping the Indian Wells, the 24-year-old suffered a straight-set defeat at the hands of Yuliia Starodubtseva at the Miami Open.

Later at the Charleston Open, Katie Volynets beat her in three sets. It was only at the Stuttgart Open that Lys reached the second round, where Elina Svitolina dismantled her. Following her latest exit, Lys found herself on the receiving end of brutal criticism from German media. Lys took to her Instagram story to hit back.

I am increasingly wondering where German sports journalism is developing. Basically, I welcome any form of reporting. Especially in women’s sports, which hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves in a long time. However, even more important would be a differentiated and respectful tone.

Eva Lys wrote on Instagram

Lys played in the main draw of the Madrid Open for the second time after making her debut last year. The only time Lys made a deep run in a WTA 1000 tournament was at the 2025 China Open, where her run was ended by defending champion Coco Gauff.

What I always notice is the consistently negative grounding of many headlines and comments. Criticism is, of course, part of sports. But the way it is often formulated seems much more devaluing than constructive.

Eva Lys added

Lys has yet to win a tour-level title. She has, in fact, never reached a WTA-level singles final but has won three ITF titles.

Eva Lys slams lump negativity from German media

Eva Lys did not stop there. She questioned why female athletes are judged differently by the media.

I find it questionable when female athletes are judged with a self-evident that has little to do with the reality on the field. Performance sports are complex and can’t always be squeezed into simple evaluations. From many conversations with other German athletes, I know I am not alone in this perception.

Eva Lys wrote on Instagram

Lys’ start of the 2026 season was marred by physical problems. She highlighted the same while criticizing the German media and urged them to support their athletes.

Obviously, I’m not in my best shape right now, after having to lay off for 2.5 months. Nevertheless, it should be possible to talk about it factually and fairly. It’s important for me to say that I don’t mean all journalists. Especially in one’s own country, support and order should be at the forefront, not lump negativity.

Eva Lys added

Lys, in Grand Slam events, produced her best performance when she reached the fourth round of last year’s Australian Open. She entered the main draw as a lucky loser and lost to six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in straight sets in the round of 16.

Lys will next be playing the Italian Open, where she made her main draw debut last year and reached the second round. Earlier this year, Lys reached her career-best No.39 on the rankings table. At present, however, she stands in the 72nd position.

The only top 10 win that Lys has registered so far was against two-time Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina in the third round of the 2025 China Open. After the Italian Open, Lys is expected to feature at the Strasbourg Open, where last year, Wang Xinyu beat her in the round of 32. At the French Open last year, Lys suffered a second-round exit.

Also read: Alexandra Eala Reveals the Greatest Advice Given to her by Rafael Nadal

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW