Rising Concerns in Women’s Tennis
Eva Lys, a rising German tennis star, has become the latest WTA player to highlight the severe issues of harassment and abuse that female athletes frequently encounter, particularly on social media. This year has marked a significant milestone in her career as she finished as Germany’s top-ranked player at No. 40 globally, following a remarkable run that included a victory over Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals of the 2025 China Open.
Personal Safety Concerns
While Lys showcases remarkable skills on the court, particularly an impressive backhand and athleticism, her rising profile hasn’t come without a dark side. The 23-year-old disclosed unsettling experiences regarding stalking in a candid interview with the German publication Die Zeit. She recounted how certain individuals had managed to obtain sensitive details about her, such as the locations of her training sessions and accommodation, which heightened her concerns for personal safety.
“I have dealt with obsessive stalkers who tracked down the addresses of my training facilities and even my hotel room numbers. This behavior has clearly crossed all boundaries of decency.”
Online Harassment
Moreover, Lys is no stranger to online harassment, having endured a barrage of explicit threats and abusive messages directed not just at her but also towards her family.
“Reading vile comments about myself and my loved ones is commonplace now. While it affects me emotionally, I have to learn how to cope with it, as it has become part of my daily life, unfortunately.”
For years, the athlete believed advice to simply ignore such vitriol but has recently reconsidered her stance.
“I’ve been told repeatedly to brush it off and not give these individuals a platform. But I now realize that remaining silent changes nothing. If we don’t speak out, this cycle of abuse continues unchecked.”
Advocacy for Change
Lys is advocating for more visibility on these issues, believing that if more players come forward, it may increase the urgency for institutional change within the sport.
The challenges that Lys faces are not isolated; fellow athlete Emma Raducanu experienced a similar situation this season when a stalker, who had previously harassed her, appeared at her match against Karolina Muchova at the 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships, prompting her to seek safety behind the umpire’s chair. The perpetrator had even attempted to purchase tickets for Wimbledon, though the event security screening intercepted him.
Raducanu later expressed the psychological impact of the incident, admitting it heightened her awareness of her surroundings and led to an offer of heightened security measures at various competitions.
Jessica Pegula has also opened up about the appalling abuse she has received online, particularly following the 2025 French Open, highlighting a disturbing trend where individuals express enjoyment over tragic events in athletes’ lives, such as the passing of her beloved pet.
Conclusion
As these female tennis stars bravely share their stories, it shines a crucial light on the necessity for a collective stand against harassment in sports, urging both fans and authorities to foster a safer environment for players.
