Despite being fierce competitors on the WTA Tour, rising stars Eva Lys, Alexandra Eala, Iva Jovic, and Zeynep Sönmez have forged a close personal friendship off the court. After putting their bond on display during preparations for the French Open, Lys opened up about the importance of their friendship.
Eva Lys Explains Why Her Friendship with Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic is ‘Important’
One day before the main draw action got underway at the French Open, Lys, Jovic, and Sönmez crashed Eala’s practice session with a cake to celebrate her 21st birthday. The trio then roused the fans in the stands to sing “Happy Birthday,” making the day even more memorable for the Filipina. Later that day, the celebrations continued in Paris as the group stepped out in stylish outfits.
Lys has since secured a dominant 6-3, 6-0 win over Petra Marčinko in her opening match at Roland Garros. Speaking to the Tennis Channel after her victory, the German opened up about Eala’s birthday celebrations and made it clear that their close bond is completely authentic.
“We actually did. I think that’s definitely not just for social media. We actually had a great a great time and we also are almost in contact every day sending each other memes, just laughing about everything that’s happening on tour,” Lys said.
MORE: Alexandra Eala Receives Birthday Love in Paris With Iva Jovic, Eva Lys’ Special Gesture
The German expressed pride that she, Jovic, Eala, and Sönmez are shattering the stereotype that rivals cannot also be friends, thanks to their “refreshing” dynamic.
“And I feel like it’s very very refreshing not only for us but for everyone else. I know there’s like a big topic around the whole friendships are not possible. And listen, there are so many people that maybe cannot do it and they don’t, which is also great. I feel like everyone should do whatever they feel good with,” she added.
Lys also stressed that their off-court camaraderie has no bearing on the competitiveness of their matches. She added that if exchanging tactics gives her friends an edge against her, then it is her responsibility to elevate her game.
“And if they’re like, hey, if I’m getting too close to someone and I play with them, I’m not going to play my best, then don’t do it. But I feel like for us, it’s not a secret that we’re competitors. It’s not a secret that whenever I go out and play Alex or Iva or Zeynep, I want to win. They want to win,” she said. “And I don’t know if something private I shared on a dinner is making them play better against me, well then I got to step up my game, you know.”
The 24-year-old further highlighted the uplifting impact of such friendships, saying, “I feel like it’s important especially for women to empower each like each other and just having so much amazing support from so many strong women around me and the other way around is the greatest thing ever. I mean, it’s making the sport more fun.”
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In an intriguing twist, Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic will have to put their close friendship aside as they are set to lock horns in the first round of the French Open. Meanwhile, Eva Lys will face a tough test against No. 18 seed Sorana Cîrstea in the second round.
While Zeynep Sönmez has crashed out of the singles event with a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Daria Kasatkina in her opening match, she will still be in action in the women’s doubles event alongside partner Tatjana Maria.
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