WTA star Eva Lys has ended her 2026 season to ‘focus on mental and physical health’, she revealed on Saturday.

Lys, who started the year with a career-high ranking of 39th, has plummeted outside the top 100 due to a long string of poor results. The 24-year-old German has failed to win more than one match at any tour-level competition this season and recently suffered a drop from 102nd in the WTA rankings to 136th after losing in the first round of the China Open, where she reached the quarterfinals last year.

Eva Lys explains why she is ending her season early on Instagram

Weeks after her early exit in Beijing, Lys took to social media to explain why she is now calling an early halt to her season.

In a post on Instagram, she said: “Hey guys. As you’ve probably noticed, I’ve taken a little time away from everything lately. I wanted to share that I’ve made the decision to end my 2026 season early to focus on my physical and mental health.

This has been one of the toughest years of my life, both on and off the court. After everything that happened last year, I came into this season with high expectations, big goals and a lot of excitement. But sometimes things just don’t go the way you planned.

“It’s been frustrating, exhausting and at times really hard to accept, especially when you work so hard for something and your body and mind just don’t cooperate. This year wasn’t what I wanted it to be, but it doesn’t change what I know I’m capable of.

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A big part of that has been my ongoing battle with arthritis, which has been particularly difficult to manage this year. After over six years, we’ve decided to take a big step and change my treatment. It’s a big adjustment, and something that will take time, but I’m hopeful that it’s a step in the right direction.

If there’s one thing I want to take from this year, it’s that a little kindness goes a long way. Be kind, do your thing, and don’t be so quick to judge others. You never really know what’s going on behind the scenes.

“And to everyone who’s stuck around, supported me and continued to believe in me through all the ups and downs, thank you. I appreciate you more than you know.

For now, I’m taking the time I need to get healthy again. Looking forward to 2027 and everything that comes with it. I’ll be back. Love you guys.”

Lys is the fourth-highest ranked German player on the WTA Tour, behind Tamara Korpatsch, Tatjana Maria and Noma Noha Akugue.