Eva Lys, widely regarded as Germany’s most promising young tennis talent, finds herself in a painful spotlight not for her achievements on the court, but for the disturbing realities of online harassment affecting her life. While fans debate her recent loss to Leylah Fernandez at the Hong Kong Open, the 23-year-old is confronting serious challenges that extend beyond the boundaries of sport.
Lys, who has faced a barrage of hateful messages following defeats over the years, recently shared alarming accounts of how online harassment has transcended into real-life threats. In an interview with Die Zeit, she detailed instances where individuals tracked her training locations, hotels, and even specific room numbers, calling their invasive behavior a reckless violation of personal safety. In collaboration with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), Lys has since enacted heightened security measures at tournaments to protect herself.
Describing the situation, she stated, “I also recently had to deal with stalkers who had obtained the addresses of training grounds, hotels, and even the room numbers… That crossed every line.” She emphasized the long-term toll that such obsession has taken on her well-being.
Despite the gravity of her experiences, it is troubling to note that this issue has often been neglected. Starting from when she was just 16, Lys has endured a flood of hateful messages after matches, with graphic threats directed not only at her but also at her family. Concerned for her mental health, she largely avoids checking social media platforms like Instagram following her matches. “Staying silent only allows the cycle to continue,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for dialogue and action.
Her situation aligns with the findings of a recent WTA study that analyzed 1.6 million online posts, revealing over 8,000 categorized as violent. In one year alone, more than 450 players reported receiving hate messages, prompting a dozen investigations by authorities. Following her defeat to Coco Gauff at the China Open, Lys took steps to report additional threats, making her case a crucial element in the ongoing discussion about mental health in sports.
Calling for greater awareness, Lys posted a screenshot of one particularly violent message to her Instagram story, seeking to shed light on the challenges athletes face off the court. Unlike some athletes, such as Naomi Osaka who faced significant backlash in 2022 and subsequently took a break from social media for her mental well-being, Lys aims to change the culture within tennis through transparency.
Lys remains hopeful that through sharing her story and encouraging open conversations, the sport will confront the pressing issue of online harassment, pushing for a collective change that can foster a safer environment for all athletes. Her courage to address this uncomfortable topic may inspire others to come forward, potentially leading to tangible improvements within the world of sports.