Eva Lys Gets Late China Open Call-Up as Ruse Defends Friend
Eva Lys has been handed a main-draw lifeline at the China Open in Beijing after Barbora Krejcikova withdrew from the WTA 1000 event. The German, who has slipped outside the top 100 amid a difficult 2026 season, enters as a replacement for the Czech player. The tournament, running from September 30 to October 11 at the National Tennis Center, has been hit by a wave of withdrawals, with 19 women pulling out of the main draw.
Lys's inclusion comes just days after she was eliminated by friend and doubles partner Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the Korea Open second round, a 6-1, 6-2 defeat that triggered a wave of negative social media comments directed at the German.
A Difficult Season Marred by Injury and Illness
Lys has endured a gruelling 2026 campaign. The 24-year-old has been battling spondyloarthritis, an inflammatory disease affecting the spine and joints, which she has said made this "the hardest year" of her career. "I gave everything, but my body asked me to slow down," she explained earlier this season. The illness has disrupted her training and consistency, contributing to a slide down the rankings. Once ranked as high as No. 39, Lys now sits just outside the top 100 and is fighting to regain her footing. Her results have been patchy, and the loss to Ruse in Seoul was another setback in a season that has tested her physically and mentally.
Ruse's Emotional Defence: "She Deserves Respect"
Ruse, the world No. 62, issued a strongly worded defence of Lys after seeing the criticism directed at her close friend on tour. "I felt so disappointed seeing so many negative comments on my post about one of my best friends on tour, and I had to write this because, honestly, it hurt me," Ruse wrote on social media. "Before judging a professional athlete from behind a screen, remember that you are looking at the result of years and years of sacrifice, discipline, injuries, pressure, losses, loneliness, and countless hours of work that nobody sees."
Ruse rejected the notion that reaching the professional level is a matter of luck. "Becoming a professional player does not happen by chance. It requires an incredible amount of talent, even more dedication, and the courage to keep going even when things don't go the way you want," she added. "Eva has earned her place on the court. She deserves respect, regardless of the result of a match. You don't have to like any player or any result. But you can choose to be respectful."
Wider Withdrawal Crisis Opens Door for Lower-Ranked Players
Lys's entry into the China Open is part of a broader trend at the tournament. Jessica Pegula, Marta Kostyuk, Madison Keys, Emma Navarro, Alex Eala, and Amanda Anisimova are among the high-profile names missing, with injuries and end-of-season fatigue cited. Anisimova, the reigning champion, has ended her season early due to a wrist injury. The mass withdrawals have created opportunities for players like Lys, who otherwise might not have made the main draw. For Lys, it is a chance to gain valuable ranking points and rebuild confidence against elite opposition.
A Test of Resilience and Reputation
Lys now faces a critical stretch in Beijing. A strong performance could halt her ranking slide and provide a platform for a healthier 2027. But the pressure is intense, and her physical limitations remain a concern. The episode also highlights the growing scrutiny female athletes face online, and the role peers can play in countering it. Ruse's intervention has been widely praised, underscoring the solidarity within the tennis community. As Lys steps onto court in Beijing, she carries not only her own hopes but also the reminder that behind every ranking and result lies a human story of perseverance.
For now, Lys remains focused on the task at hand: making the most of an unexpected opportunity on one of the sport's biggest stages.
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