Fortunate losers are gamers who lose in qualifying at a event however obtain a spot in the primary draw if somebody withdraws by way of damage or sickness.
Lys had her baggage packed and a flight booked after shedding within the last spherical of qualifying, however a spot within the draw opened up when Russia’s Kalinskaya pulled out on Monday earlier than her first-round match.
Lys was on web site receiving remedy from the physio when the withdrawal was introduced and was given 10 minutes’ discover earlier than she took to court docket to face Australian Kimberly Birrell.
Regardless of worrying in regards to the lack of preparation time, she got here by way of 6-2 6-2 – and moved her flight to Sunday.
That flight should change once more, with Sunday spent getting ready for a match in opposition to five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek on Monday.
“Proper now I feel after the press convention we’ll go and attempt to change it a little bit bit additional,” Lys mentioned.
“It is truly actually humorous. We simply picked a date. We’re like: ‘OK, Sunday’s six days away. We’re simply going to select Sunday.’
“I am glad we’ve got to vary it now.”
When she does finally fly dwelling, she will likely be doing so a minimum of A$420,000 (£210,342) richer – a marked distinction on the A$50,000 (£25,300) Lys thought she can be taking away after shedding in qualifying, and a lift to her profession earnings of $798,163 (£655,413).
Lys has competed in all 4 majors however her greatest efficiency at a Slam earlier than this was a US Open second-round look in 2023.
She is the sixth fortunate loser to make the last-16 of a Grand Slam within the Open period however the first to take action in Melbourne. None have ever gone previous the fourth spherical.
“Clearly I am very blissful to be making it to second week. I really feel like second week was at all times such a dream for me,” Lys added.
