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Sports
History-making lucky loser Potapova into Madrid semis
TL;DR
Anastasia Potapova has made history as the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semi-final after defeating Karolina Pliskova at the Madrid Open. She previously overcame Elena Rybakina and Jelena Ostapenko in her impressive journey.
Key points
- Anastasia Potapova reached the Madrid Open semi-finals
- First lucky loser to achieve this in WTA 1000 history
- Defeated Karolina Pliskova in the quarter-finals
- Previously beat Elena Rybakina and Jelena Ostapenko
- Entered the main draw after another player withdrew
Anastasia PotapovaKarolina PliskovaMadrid OpenElena Rybakina
Anastasia Potapova has already beaten Elena Rybakina and Jelena Ostapenko on her run to the semi-finals [Getty Images]
Anastasia Potapova has become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semi-final thanks to her thrilling victory over Karolina Pliskova at the Madrid Open.
The Russian-born Austrian lost in qualifying last week but was given a place in the main draw when another player pulled out.
And she secured a 6-1 6-7 (7-4) 6-3 win over former world number one Pliskova in the last eight to continue her stunning run in the Spanish capital.
Potapova, 25, has made the most of her surprise chance in the main draw and - having already seen off former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and world number two Elena Rybakina - is through to the last four.
"No, I wouldn't, for any money and anything," Potapova said when asked if she thought a semi-final appearance was possible after her qualifying loss.
"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."
Potapova looked set for a comfortable victory after taking the first set in just 24 minutes before securing three match points in the second.
However, Pliskova fought back to force a tiebreak and then level the match, before taking a 3-1 lead in the deciding set.
But Potapova responded by reeling off five consecutive games and sealed victory with her 10th ace before collapsing to her knees.
Potapova will face Marta Kostyuk or Linda Noskova in the semi-finals.
Sinner extends winning run to 21 matches
Jannik Sinner's previous best at the Madrid Open was a run to the quarter-finals in 2024 [Getty Images]
Q&A
Who is Anastasia Potapova and what is her achievement at the Madrid Open?
Anastasia Potapova is a Russian-born Austrian tennis player who became the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semi-final at the Madrid Open.
What matches did Potapova win to reach the semi-finals in Madrid?
Potapova won against Elena Rybakina, Jelena Ostapenko, and Karolina Pliskova to reach the semi-finals.
What is a lucky loser in tennis?
A lucky loser is a player who loses in the qualifying rounds but is granted a spot in the main draw due to another player's withdrawal.
What was the score of Potapova's match against Pliskova?
Potapova defeated Karolina Pliskova with a score of 6-1, 6-7 (7-4), 6-3.