Eva Lys’ hopes at the 2026 Canadian Open were dashed in heartbreaking fashion when she was forced to retire from her first-round clash in Toronto. The German wore her emotions on her sleeve during the encounter, displaying her frustration and shedding tears while battling fitness issues.
Eva Lys Retires From First-Round Match at the Canadian Open
Following her first-round exit at Wimbledon, Lys was scheduled to compete at the Prague Open. However, she withdrew from the event before her opening match, highlighting the “frustrating” reality of having to pull out of another event due to health issues.
“Really sad to have to withdraw from this week’s tournament in Prague due to health reasons. Having to pull out at the last minute, especially after already missing the last two weeks, is incredibly frustrating. It’s been a tough start to the year, but I’m trusting that better days are ahead,” she posted on Instagram.
Lys returned to the tour at the Canadian Open, taking on Panna Udvardy in her opening match at the WTA 1000 event. The 24-year-old looked on course for victory after taking a 6-2, 5-2 lead. However, she failed to close out the match as Udvardy mounted an impressive comeback to clinch the second set in a tiebreak.
The German’s frustration over her struggles was evident as she threw her racket on the court after a backhand error.
💥 pic.twitter.com/7qcL8pKBQW
— Owen (@kostekcanu) August 4, 2026
After losing the second set, Lys was spotted shedding tears before calling for the physiotherapist. Unable to continue, the German retired from the match with Udvardy leading 2-6, 7-6(3), 2-0.
I hope people can be a little kinder to this girl pic.twitter.com/7bXgccZg9l
— 元气豆沙包 (@hoppang121) August 4, 2026
Lys has had a difficult 2026 season, missing two months of competition after her first-round exit at the Australian Open due to a knee injury. She has spoken openly about living with the autoimmune condition spondyloarthritis, which affects her joints and makes recovery harder.
After losing in the first round during her Miami Open comeback, her struggles continued during the clay and grass seasons, with a string of early exits. Following her latest defeat in Toronto, the German now holds a 5-13 win-loss record for the season.
Eva Lys will now turn her attention to gearing up for the Cincinnati Open, aiming to rediscover her form at the WTA 1000 event ahead of the US Open. Meanwhile, Panna Udvardy will lock horns with Naomi Osaka in the second round of the Canadian Open.
