Lucky loser Lys makes history at Australian Open

Eva Lys made history at the Australian Open by becoming the first women's singles lucky loser to reach the fourth round in the Open era.

Ranked 128th, Lys defeated Romania's Jaqueline Cristian 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 after losing in the final qualifying round.

Initially booked to fly home, Lys received a main draw spot when Anna Kalinskaya withdrew.

She quickly won her first two matches, including a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Kimberly Birrell. Lys now faces world number two Iga Swiatek.

Her unexpected success has significantly boosted her career earnings, with Lys set to take home at least A$420,000. She is only the sixth lucky loser to reach a Grand Slam's last-16 and the first in Melbourne.