Following a defeat in the final qualifying round of the Australian Open, Eva Rees found herself on the lucky loser list due to her 128th ranking, delaying her return. However, fortune smiled on her when a third withdrawal from the women’s tournament opened a spot. Seizing the opportunity, the German tennis star made her second appearance on the australian Open main stage, triumphing over Kimberly Birrell, who was also unranked in the Top 100. Rees continued her notable run by defeating Varvara Gracheva in the second round and Jaqueline Cristian in the third, becoming the first lucky loser to reach the round of 16 since the tournament moved from kooyong Turf to Melbourne Park’s hard courts in 1988. Her journey continues as she prepares to face world number two, iga swiatek, forcing her to reschedule her flight once again.
“It’s an unbelievable tale, even to me. The speed at wich everything unfolded in just a few days is surreal. I’m incredibly thankful as it’s transformed my life,” Rees shared after her 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over the 82nd-ranked Cristian. The 23-year-old, standing at 1.65 meters, entered the 2025 Open with no matches or earnings but has now secured a spot in the Top 100 and a prize of €253,000.
Reflecting on her 2023 Open debut, Rees said, “I qualified and played well in the first set, but the second set was a disaster. I was too focused on the points and rankings,and it cost me. I lost 6-0. over the past year, I’ve learned to stay persistent, keep playing, and see where it takes me. Sometimes, a second chance is all you need.” Born in Kiev and based in Hamburg, Rees is coached by her father, Vladimir, a former Ukrainian Davis Cup player.
In 2020, Rees was diagnosed with spondyloarthritis, an autoimmune rheumatic condition that frequently enough hindered her training and competition. Despite this, she reached a semi-final in 2023 (Cluj Napoca) and two in 2024 (Budapest and Monastir), though consistency eluded her. “This condition has always been part of my life. Staying in shape requires careful attention to my body, diet, and recovery,” she explained. Rees now faces Swiatek, who dominated Emma Raducanu (61st) with a 6-1, 6-0 victory in just 70 minutes.
On the other end of the spectrum is Gael Monfils. At 38, the Frenchman plays purely for the love of the game, yet his unpredictable style continues to challenge opponents. Taylor Fritz (ranked 4th) arrived in Melbourne with high hopes but was outplayed by Monfils, who secured a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 win. This marked Monfils’ best performance in a major tournament, his eighth top-10 victory, and his first as 2014.
Francisco Cabral and Nuno Borges also made headlines,advancing to the round of 16 after their second consecutive Australian Open win following the US Open. The Portuguese pair defeated Sriram balaji and Miguel Reyes-Varela 7-6 (7/1), 4-6, 6-3, thanks to a decisive tie break and a crucial break in the final set. They now face the Dutch duo Botic Van de Zandschulp and Tallon Griekspoor.
D appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament. Eva Rees, known for her resilience and determination, quickly turned the tide in her favor. In a thrilling first-round match, she showcased her signature aggressive baseline play and tactical serve-and-volley strategies, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory against a higher-ranked opponent.
With this win, Rees not only advanced to the second round but also demonstrated her ability to thrive under pressure. Her performance has reignited discussions about her potential to climb the WTA rankings and establish herself as a consistent contender in major tournaments. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if she can continue this momentum and make a deeper run in the Australian open.
rees’ journey serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports, where perseverance and seizing opportunities can lead to remarkable outcomes. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on this rising star to see if she can capitalize on her second chance and etch her name further into the annals of tennis history.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Australian Open unfolds, and be sure to keep an eye on Eva Rees as she continues her inspiring journey.
