Jaqueline Cristian is facing the most important match of her career, a victory against the German Eva Lys taking her to the 4th round for the first time at the Australian Open. But, even if her 23-year-old opponent is ranked lower (WTA 128th place compared to the Romanian’s 82nd), our athlete has a hellish mission.
Jaqueline Cristian, ready for the match-matches. Photo EPA EFE
Jaq and the German have met three times before, once in 2023 and twice last year. Eva Lys prevailed in all three disputes, according to the same scenario: the first set won by the Romanian and victory in the decider for the German. Now, Jaqueline Cristian promises that things will be different. “I know the matches very well, I remember them. All I can say is that I am a different player than when I last played her. I work a lot on myself and without putting pressure on myself, I trust that I have learned many lessons and that I am ready this time.
The game is scheduled for tomorrow morning
What works is to focus on myself, be 100 percent connected to the match and give my best. If I do these things, I trust that it will be a positive result“ said the 26-year-old player, who will meet Eva Kys on the night of Friday to Saturday. The match is scheduled on court 3 at the Australian Open at around 4.00 am.
The meeting between the two not only brings a qualification to the round of 16 of the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, but also has an important financial stake. The loser will be chosen with a check for 175,000 euros, while the winner will take home 253,000 euros.
Results Jaqueline Cristian – Eva Lys, before the match at AO
6-2, 5-7, 2-6, at the Transylvania Open, in 2023;
6-3, 6-7, 2-6, in Dubai in 2024;
7-6, 4-6, 3-6, in Bari, in 2024.
