German tennis player Eva Lys has brought her 2026 season to an early close as she prepares to change her treatment for arthritis. The 24-year-old, currently ranked world No. 136, announced the decision on social media, saying she needed to focus on her physical and mental health.
Breakout 2025 followed by a difficult year
Lys enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, reaching the second week of the Australian Open and defeating Elena Rybakina in Beijing. However, this year has not matched those heights, with the German winning just eight matches and slipping down the rankings.
In an emotional statement, Lys described the period as “one of the toughest years of [her] life”, both on and off the court. She acknowledged the frustration of working hard while her body and mind did not cooperate, noting the year was not what she wanted it to be.
Change in arthritis treatment
Lys has been living with spondyloarthritis, an autoimmune condition affecting her spine and joints, since a 2020 diagnosis. She only spoke publicly about the condition a couple of years ago, and said it had been particularly difficult to manage this year.
“After over six years, we’ve decided to take a big step and change my treatment,” she wrote. “It’s a big adjustment, and something that will take time, but I’m hopeful that it’s a step in the right direction.”
Looking ahead to 2027
Speaking at the 2025 French Open, Lys had described days when her body was not doing what it was supposed to, and the need to find the right balance between regeneration and practice. Now she will seek a new method of treatment before returning next season.
In her statement, Lys thanked those who had supported her and confirmed her intention to return: “For now, I’m taking the time I need to get healthy again. Looking forward to 2027 and everything that comes with it. I’ll be back.”
