On April 29, 2026, at the Madrid Open, Anastasia Potapova experienced a whirlwind of emotions after securing an outstanding victory over Karolina Pliskova, winning 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3. The achievement marked a historic milestone as Potapova became the first player to advance to the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event as a “lucky loser,” demonstrating remarkable resilience throughout the match.
Initially, Potapova had a commanding lead but encountered difficulties when she allowed her opponent to claw back and nearly squandered her victory by failing to convert three match points in the second set. This victory is especially significant considering Potapova entered the main draw only after another player withdrew from the tournament.
Reflecting on her performance, Potapova admitted the pressure affected her, saying, “I had a few match points in the second set, on serve, but I couldn’t manage my nerves at that time. It seems that this tournament keeps giving me second chances, and I keep using them.” The Russian player described the thrill of competing as exhilarating but admitted to experiencing moments of doubt, particularly in the crucial third set.
A pivotal moment in the match came when her boyfriend, Dutch tennis player Tallon Griekspoor, arrived to support her. “I was a little bit gone mentally in the third set. I didn’t believe in myself at that moment,” she said. Griekspoor’s presence provided her with the encouragement she needed, as he continually reminded her of her capabilities during the tense moments.
“I just played, and mentally he kept me there,” Potapova expressed gratefully, attributing some of her success to his support. The connection appeared to uplift her just when she needed it the most.
In the upcoming semifinal, Potapova is set to face Marta Kostyuk, who advanced after defeating Linda Noskova 7-6 (1), 6-0. Potapova’s journey through the tournament has been impressive, with victories that include a match against world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in the round of 16.
Remarkably, Potapova’s advance to the semifinals as a lucky loser is a unique occurrence in the history of the WTA 1000 events, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since the format’s inception in 1990. After initially being unsure about her status in the tournament, she remarked, “I didn’t expect myself being in the draw again because at first they didn’t take my name as a lucky loser.”
As the tournament progressed, she found herself enjoying the experience, stating, “Maybe that’s the key. You don’t need to be always so zoomed in and so locked in on the tournament. Maybe it’s just a matter of sometimes just enjoy yourself and enjoy the journey.”
Potapova expressed her disbelief at how far she has come, feeling as though it was almost miraculous to have advanced this deep. “It’s pretty rare when you get the second chance and that you go almost all the way,” she reflected. Her journey serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of maintaining composure and belief, even in the face of uncertainty.
