On May 7, 2025, Eva Lys showcased an extraordinary performance at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome, decisively defeating Japan's Moyuka Uchijima with a commanding score of 6:1, 6:0. The match, which lasted just 54 minutes, marked a significant milestone for the German number one as she advanced to the second round of this prestigious WTA tournament.
Lys, currently ranked 63rd in the world, exhibited her dominance right from the start. She broke Uchijima’s serve five times during the match, demonstrating her exceptional skill and tactical prowess. "Everything was working perfectly for me today, especially my forehand," Lys remarked after the match, reflecting on her impressive performance that thrilled the crowd at the Foro Italico.
Despite facing a higher-ranked opponent, Uchijima, who sits at 47th in the WTA rankings, Lys was unfazed. Even when Uchijima showed glimpses of her potential, Lys maintained her composure, converting her first match point with ease. "I had a lot of fun out there," she added, clearly enjoying the atmosphere and her commanding lead.
Looking ahead, Lys faces a much tougher challenge in the second round against the 11th seed, Elena Rybakina, a formidable opponent and the 2022 Wimbledon champion. Rybakina, currently ranked 12th in the world, has had a rocky start to the season, struggling with form after three losses in her last five matches. However, her talent and experience make her a dangerous competitor.
For Lys, this upcoming match is an opportunity to prove herself against a top-tier player. "I know it’s going to be a tough match, but I’m excited to take on the challenge," she stated, exuding confidence as she prepares for the encounter. If she manages to pull off an upset against Rybakina, it could propel her closer to breaking into the Top 50 for the first time in her career.
To achieve this goal, Lys would likely need to reach at least the quarter-finals in Rome, which would require victories not only over Rybakina but also potentially over other high-ranked players such as Donna Vekic and Qinwen Zheng. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on, but Lys seems ready to rise to the occasion.
Meanwhile, in the men’s draw, German player Daniel Altmaier faced an early exit, losing to Argentina's Francisco Comesana in straight sets, 1:6, 5:7. Altmaier, ranked 71st, struggled to find his rhythm throughout the match, leading to his second consecutive first-round defeat after a disappointing performance in Madrid. The loss has raised concerns about his form just weeks ahead of the French Open.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Lys as she aims to continue her impressive run. With her current form and determination, she has the potential to make significant waves in the tournament. The excitement builds as fans anticipate her next match against Rybakina, which promises to be a thrilling encounter.
As the only German player remaining in the tournament, Lys carries the hopes of her nation on her shoulders. The upcoming days will be pivotal for her career, and her performance in Rome could set the tone for the rest of the season.
