Her WTA Tour singles debut in Linz in 2021 remains one of the most defining moments of her early career. Although it was an important step forward, it was also a physically and emotionally draining experience.
Lys said: “I remember pushing myself in the third set, and that was a big reason why I couldn’t finish the game the way I wanted. “But it’s very emotional because you know how long it takes to get to that level. It’s not like you train and then, boom, you’re there. That’s all those 15Ks and 25Ks, the good times and the bad.”
The match also marked his first meeting with a top-20 opponent, and nerves played a big role. She admitted: “I was very scared, and actually it was the first time I had pain.
Handling those nerves became an important part of his development. Lys noted that the pressure doesn’t start on game day, but builds long before he steps on the court.
“The thoughts and nerves don’t start in court, they start a day before or a week before,” he explained. “The better I deal with it, and the more resources I have, the better I play.”
In 2023, she began to see the results of that growth, reaching her first WTA semi-final in Cluj-Napoca. The big change was the way he looked at the crowd, even in difficult times.
He said: “I take a lot of energy from the crowd, whether it’s for me or against me. Even if I lose a point and the stadium goes crazy, I try to take the picture that they’re just trying to cheer me on.
That impression proved invaluable during his run at the 2025 Australian Open, where he became the first lucky man to reach the fourth round. The opportunity came unexpectedly, at the end of the first round when he had almost given up hope of joining the big team.
He recalled: “It was the last day of the first round, and my hope was gone. I was so happy and surprised that I was out of adrenaline and needed time to think.
That lack of consideration turned out to be an advantage. “If I don’t think and I play, I enjoy it. I had to trust what I had at the time and play for free,” he said.
The competition became a game-changer, not only in results but also in sentiment. It was the first time I lived in the present and didn’t think about the future.
Dealing with important physical problems
“The first few years were very difficult, finding the right medication and learning what makes my body feel good or bad,” she said. “It’s something I live with every day.”
His method is based on discipline and caution. “My warm-up has to be long, recovery is always a priority, physio, ice baths, everything,” he explained. You can exercise as much as you want, but if your body refuses, it doesn’t matter.
Equally important is stress management. “The more stress I have in my life, the worse I feel, so I try to stay Zen,” he added.
Despite his rapid rise, Lys is quick to reject the notion of overnight success. His journey began at the age of five, and has taken years of sacrifice.
“I have missed many birthdays, I have not gone on vacation, I have spent my life working for this dream,” he said. “To finally get close to it is a crazy reward, but it’s been years in the making.”
At the core of his philosophy is a simple but powerful principle, he enjoys what he does.
He said: “I work every day to enjoy the process, to be positive and to see the beauty in everything. It may sound cliche, but if I’m enjoying something, I know I’m 100% better.”
Looking ahead, his priorities are always clear. “Physical health and mental health, 100%,” Lys said. “Just being happy with what I’m doing, and being grateful for the moments that I feel good about.”
For a player who has gone through ups and downs, that balance may prove to be his greatest strength.
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