Coach and Tennis Star Eva Lys are the Perfect Match
It feels like kismet that tennis star Eva Lys and Coach hosted a dinner on arguably the most perfect day of the ongoing heatwave. Walking into the dinner location in south west London, trays filled with Coach stickers, matches, and memorabilia line nearby cabinets. The dinner setting – under a fanciful canopy – is picturesque, as though you’ll step inside and be transported into a Hollywood set. In walks Lys: it’s true what they say about those with star power, they radiate and captivate those around them, and the 24-year-old Kyiv-born, Hamburg-based tennis star possesses that and more.
Dressed in culottes, Coach sunglasses holding back her cascading brown hair, and a clay-coloured Tabby bag glued to her side (chili charm and all), it’s easy to see why this union works so well. Lys exudes not only that of a sports star but seamlessly blends into the wider Coach world. Her eyes light up as she sets her sights on the Michelin-star-worthy menu containing honey-coated chicken bites with caviar, surf and turf, plus tiramisu. “My biggest dream was always, obviously, to be a tennis player, but to also get involved in the fashion world,” she says, seated in a chair overlooking the patio. “I love what Coach has been doing over the past few years, and getting to work with the team is a dream. I feel so happy,” she says, smiling widely.
Lys is in town for Wimbledon, and between her gearing up to take to the court and getting to bridge the gap between fashion and the sporting world, it’s turning out to be the start of a memorable summer. For now, things are pretty calm for the budding tennis star, but she’s on the precipice of a hectic schedule. Ahead of tournaments, or any match at all, you’re likely to find her (trying) to keep any nerves at bay by listening to “German rap, Frank Ocean or Tyler, the Creator”, meanwhile Calvin Harris and Peggy Gou are her go-tos for more uptempo, blood-pumping music. As soon as she’s off the court, though, it’s straight to an ice bath and a nice meal with her family. Win or lose, she tries to maintain the same outlook and routine. “When you're winning, try to enjoy it. If you're losing, just try to learn from it and move on,” she says with a sincerity and truthfulness far beyond her years.
It’s clear Lys was destined to take to the court. Her father – Lys’ coach – and her mother are on hand for support. Meanwhile, Lys says her older sister is “someone she looks up to” as a former tennis player-turned-law student, but their dad was her biggest champion. “My dad was a professional tennis player,” she explains of his influence and impact on her career. “I fell in love with tennis pretty quickly. I'm very lucky to have my dad. He’s the one person in my life that’s never doubted me.”
Even with her tennis career ascending, a Coach chili charm still has the ability to have her waxing lyrical: “We need to acknowledge the chili, because I love it. Cherries and chilies are my favourite charms.” An impromptu “what’s in my bag” session starts, and it turns out Lys is a loyalist to her powder because “it’s 40 degrees Celsius right now! I’m an oily girl, though, let’s normalize sweating a bit.” A solid lip gloss and liner are non-negotiables, too. As guests start to pour in, some proudly multitask with a motorized fan in one hand, and a margiold coloured Tabby bag in the other – and before she shows off her party trick to the crowd (she can balance anything on her head, truly)—Lys dives into her dream doubles match partner, what a day off looks like and her pre-game superstition.
Tell me, what does your ideal day off look like?
I have two versions of a day off. I have the privilege to see so many cities and countries, so I would hate it if I didn't take the opportunity to go out and explore. I love meeting new people and seeing new cities. I'm a very social person. Bed rotting is my other day off. I love it; getting good room service and putting on a TV show.
Do you remember when you first picked up a racket and played a match?
I was about three or four.
What lessons have you learned from your dad?
I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, but moved to Germany when I was two, but there’s still the Eastern European mentality [ingrained in me]. Definitely strive for your goals, but don't lose the fun.
When was the last time you were starstruck?
I was at a dinner with Peggy Gou in Miami. I had the privilege to meet her and talk to her, and it was just fun meeting new people. It was a great experience.
What does a cheat meal look like for you?
I want it to get as dirty as it can get—I love pepperoni pizza, sushi, cinnamon rolls, cakes. I’m down for anything fried…
Who would be your dream tennis partner?
I’d pay a lot of money to experience Roger Federer once. Especially as it’s Wimbledon now, but he was one of the most elegant players—especially with his one-handed backhand.
Lastly, what’s one thing people don’t know about you?
I usually always use the same restroom before a match. It has to be the same restroom. I also always have a tournament song, and whenever I go on court, the song is playing—but it changes all the time. I don't have my Wimbledon song yet, but I’m excited to find it!
