Anastasia Potapova made history on May 4, 2026, at the Madrid Open by becoming the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal. She achieved this remarkable feat after defeating Karolina Pliskova in a thrilling quarterfinal match.
Before this match, expectations were low for Potapova. Ranked 56th, she entered the tournament as a lucky loser after losing in the qualifying round. Few anticipated her success in such a prestigious event.
The decisive moment came when Potapova defeated Pliskova with a score of 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3. The victory was not without its challenges; she squandered four match points in the second set but rallied to secure her place in the semifinals.
Potapova’s journey has been remarkable. Earlier in the tournament, she pulled off a significant upset against second seed Elena Rybakina, saving seven of ten break points. Her performance has drawn attention and admiration from fans and experts alike.
After her quarterfinal victory, Potapova dropped to her knees and cried tears of joy. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “It seems that this tournament keeps giving me second chances and I keep using them.” Her determination shines through in every match.
Next, Potapova will face Marta Kostyuk in the semifinals. This matchup promises to be another exciting chapter in her unexpected run at the Madrid Open.
