A very late call came to take 2024 quarterfinalist Anna Kalinskaya’s spot and in her first Grand Slam main draw in five years, the lucky loser took her chance.

MORE: AO 2025 women’s singles draw

The 23-year-old was more than happy to again change the departure date of her flight, which was meant to be Sunday once she entered the main draw. 

“It definitely doesn’t feel real for me right now,” said Lys, whose Ukrainian father played pro tennis. “I don’t know when the realisation will kick in.

“It’s definitely an insane story, how it happened, how fast it happened. Those days have totally changed my life.”

Lys and Swiatek faced off once before, on the Pole’s favoured surface of clay in Stuttgart three years ago. A qualifier back then, Lys fell 6-1 6-1.

“I do think that you always have a chance going out,” said Lys. “You never know what’s going to happen in the match. I will just try to keep my streak going, try to keep my spirit going. I’m just going to go out and enjoy.”

Swiatek, seeking a first Australian Open quarterfinal in three years, has only dropped 10 games in three matches. 

The five-time Grand Slam winner feels better than 12 months ago, when she said a tough draw and physical issues contributed to a fourth-round exit.

“Now I feel much more fresh,” said Swiatek. “I feel like everything is in the right spot and working. I can just focus on the game, and that’s it.

“Yeah, I feel less stress. It’s helping, for sure.”

Elsewhere on Day 9, home hope

Alex de Minaur follows in the night session at Rod Laver Arena against Next Gen American Alex Michelsen.

Gael Monfils, 38, and fellow showman Ben Shelton, meanwhile, battle for the first time at Margaret Court Arena in the evening.

By then, Monfils’ wife, Elina Svitolina, should have completed her match against Veronika Kudermetova kicking off proceedings at Rod Laver Arena.