Full Breakdown
Anastasia Potapova Makes History as First Lucky Loser to Reach a WTA 1000 Semifinal at the Madrid Open
5/1/2026, 3:20:40 PM
Background & Context
The Mutua Madrid Open, a WTA 1000 event, grants a main-draw spot to a “lucky loser” – a player who loses in the final round of qualifying but replaces a withdrawn entrant. After falling in the last qualifying round, 25-year-old Anastasia Potapova (ranked No. 56) was notified only 30 minutes before her first-round match that she would fill the vacancy. She then embarked on a four-match winning streak that included victories over former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, world No. 2 Elena Rybakina, and former world No. 1 Karolina Plíšková.
Data & Statistics
- Rankings: Potapova – No. 56; Plíšková – former world No. 1; Rybakina – world No. 2.
- Quarterfinal score vs. Plíšková: 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3 (match lasted 1 hour 54 minutes).
- Match points saved: Three match points in the second set; overcame a 3-1 deficit in the third set.
- Winning streak: Four consecutive main-draw wins, the longest run for a lucky loser at a WTA 1000 event.
- Upcoming opponent: 26th-seed Marta Kostyuk (ranked No. 23), who defeated Linda Noskova 7-6 (1), 6-0 to reach the semifinals.
Official Statements & Responses
The women’s tour confirmed that Potapova is the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 (formerly Tier I) semifinal since the format’s inception in 1990. Potapova repeatedly emphasized the role of “second chances,” noting that the tournament’s timing allowed her to stay relaxed and enjoy the experience. She also highlighted the mental support from her boyfriend, Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor, during the decisive moments of the quarterfinal.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I (had) a few match points in the second set, on serve, but I couldn't manage my nerves at that time,” — Anastasia Potapova, Player
- “It seems that this tournament keeps giving me second chances and I keep using them.” — Anastasia Potapova, Player
- “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.” — Anastasia Potapova, Player
- “But big respect to my boyfriend who came just on time. He kept telling me, 'You can do this, we are all together here, just keep going.'” — Anastasia Potapova, Player
- “And then the days kept on going and nobody was injured or pulling out. Then the last moment I got the information, literally 30 minutes before the (first-round) match, that I was given a chance to step on court here again.” — Anastasia Potapova, Player
- “I am more of a coach to her than she is to me.” — Tallon Griekspoor, Boyfriend
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ in how the second-set tiebreak is notated: some list it as 6-7 (4) while others write 6-7 (7-4). Both refer to the same 7-4 tiebreak win for Plíšková, but the presentation varies across reports.
What’s Next
Potapova’s historic run continues in the semifinals, where she will face Marta Kostyuk on Thursday at the Manolo Santana Stadium. A victory would advance her to the first WTA 1000 final ever reached by a lucky loser, underscoring the depth of competition and the impact of tournament entry rules.
