Tennis Star Eva Lys Reveals Fan Obsession with Hotel Room Searches

Tennis star Eva Lys, ranked 40th in the world, recently shared her alarming experiences with fan obsession. Throughout her career, Lys revealed that individuals have discovered the locations of her training facilities, hotels, and even room numbers, raising significant concerns about her safety.

Tennis Players Facing Stalking and Harassment

Lys is not alone in her struggles. This year has seen several high-profile players confront unsettling situations. Emma Raducanu and Karolína Muchová both faced issues related to alleged stalkers during matches. Additionally, Iga Świątek experienced verbal harassment during a training session.

Shared Experiences of Stalking

• Emma Raducanu: At the Dubai Tennis Championships, Raducanu broke down mid-match after recognizing a man who had approached her the previous day. This individual had previously given her a letter and asked for a photo. Following her complaint, he received a restraining order and was barred from attending Wimbledon.
• Iga Świątek: In Miami, Świątek was targeted by a man who had previously made threats online. He confronted her during practice, leading to further distress.
• Yulia Putintseva: During her first-round match at Wimbledon, Putintseva refused to continue until a spectator she deemed “dangerous” was removed. She ultimately lost the match 6-0, 6-0.
• Karolína Muchová: At the U.S. Open, Muchová paused her match to address the presence of an ex-boyfriend in the crowd, recognizing his tendency to show up at inappropriate venues.

Security Measures and Player Safety

The WTA emphasizes player safety as a top priority. A spokesperson stated that a dedicated security department works closely with local authorities to ensure a secure environment at events. This collaborative effort has resulted in rare incidents of harassment.

Wider Implications in Tennis

A former WTA executive described the current state of women’s tennis as a “perfect storm” for unwanted attention due to its individualistic nature and the public visibility of players. Other athletes, including Katie Boulter and Coco Gauff, have also recounted experiences of being followed, underscoring a troubling trend.

The Impact of Social Media Abuse

Ahead of the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, Lys expressed her frustration over social media abuse. While she tries to manage the negativity, the sheer volume of hateful messages often leaves lasting effects.

Current Measures for Protection

A joint report by the WTA and ITF noted that 15 cases of player abuse were escalated to law enforcement in 2024. The WTA has launched a supportive service with Threat Matrix to monitor threatening content and ensure player safety.

In her recent match, Lys was defeated by Turkey’s Zeynep Sönmez, leveling the Billie Jean King Cup playoff tie. As the conversation around athlete safety continues, the experiences of players like Lys highlight the urgent need for protective measures in the sport.