Anastasia Potapova spotted arguing with boyfriend during Madrid Open defeat

Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Anastasia Potapova’s Madrid Open run ended in the semifinals after a 6-2, 1-6, 6-1 defeat to Marta Kostyuk.

As the contest moved into its final phase, cameras captured a moment involving her boyfriend Tallon Griekspoor. The exchange came with Potapova trailing early in the third set.

The timing drew attention given her earlier appreciation of his support during the tournament. What followed showed a different dynamic under pressure.

Anastasia Potapova and Tallon Griekspoor exchange words during decisive Madrid Open set

Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

During the final set, Griekspoor attempted to encourage Potapova from the stands. His message focused on her mindset as the match began to turn.

He said: “You need to believe in yourself.”

Potapova quickly responded: “I do.”

Griekspoor replied: “You don’t,” before adding, “Then show us.”

The brief exchange highlighted tension in a critical moment. Potapova reacted by slightly striking her racket on the court, showing visible frustration.

Her performance did not recover after that point. She went on to lose the final three straight games, allowing Kostyuk to build a comfortable lead.

Support that worked earlier fails to deliver in semifinal

Griekspoor had played a positive role for his girlfriend earlier in the tournament.

During her quarter-final win over Karolina Pliskova, Potapova credited his presence and input as a key factor in her performance.