Madison Keys vs Eva Lys – A Battle of Grit and Raises

August 9, 2025

By: Robyn White

Madison Keys, entering Cincinnati as the sixth seed and the reigning Australian Open champion, was riding a wave of confidence. Her 2025 season had already seen two titles and impressive results, including a Grand Slam win, bringing her into the tournament ranked No. 6 in the world. 

Eva Lys, the 23-year-old German, was making waves after a breakthrough at the Australian Open, reaching the Round of 16 as a lucky loser—an extraordinary feat in major history. Her hard-court form had been inconsistent, including a recent loss to Iga Świątek in Montreal.

The match reaffirmed Keys’ ability to grind her way back even when facing adversity—especially against rising talents like Lys. For Lys, despite the loss, the performance was a strong statement: she’s capable of competing toe-to-toe with top-tier opponents and is someone to watch as her career progresses. This match was a brilliant showcase of both players.

Photos by: Roscelle Griffin