Melbourne, 18 January 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Germany's Eva Lys has become the first lucky loser to reach the last 16 at the Australian Open as she extended her fairy-tale run with another impressive victory.

The world number 128, who missed out on qualifying for the tournament but was handed another opportunity to compete in the main draw after a player pulled out, beat Romania's Jaqueline Cristian in three sets to progress to the last 16.

"Sometimes you just need a second chance," said Lys, who won 4-6 6-3 6-3. "It definitely doesn't feel real."

Kiev-born Lys is a former German champion and last year went public with a rheumatic autoimmune disease which has made her miss tournaments on short notice.

The 23-year-old's surprise run has made waves across Melbourne and back home in Germany, with three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker calling her progression to the last 16 a "dream journey" on broadcaster Eurosport.

Lys' success has come despite the absence of her coach - and father - as he left Melbourne after she failed to qualify.

Next up for the 23-year-old is Polish star Iga Swiatek, who trashed Emma Raducanu 6-1 6-0 in the third round.

"There is no better match for me," Lys said on Eurosport. "That's the reason why I play tennis. I want to compete with the best in the world."

The match-up with five-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek, currently the world number two, could prove one step too far for Lys, but she has already earned prize money of $260,000 and will enter the world's top 100 for the first time.

"These days have totally changed my life," said Lys.

Photo: EPA