Potapova turns second chance into history with record Madrid Open semifinal run

Anastasia Potapova turned tennis heartbreak into history by becoming the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal after her 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3 win over Karolina Pliskova at the Madrid Open on Wednesday.

The Russian-born Austrian, who lost in qualifying last week, has made the most of her unexpected entry into the main draw, beating the former World No. 1 in a roller-coaster contest despite squandering three match points.

Potapova’s run has included impressive wins over former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina.

Asked if she thought she would be in the last four after her qualifying loss, the unseeded Potapova said: “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything.

“That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.

“I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”

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After easing through the opening set, Potapova appeared set for a straightforward win when she earned three match points in the second.

But Pliskova fought back to force a tiebreak and level the match.

Potapova trailed 3-1 in the decider, only to win five consecutive games and seal victory with her 10th ace before dropping to her knees.

Potapova will face Marta Kostyuk or Linda Noskova in the semifinals.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

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