History in Madrid: Anastasia Potapova First Lucky Loser to Make WTA 1000 Semifinal

Lucky loser Potapova stuns Pliskova to reach Madrid semifinals

Potapova turned heartbreak into history, becoming the first lucky loser to make a WTA 1000 semifinal with a 6-1, 6-7, 6-3 win over Pliskova in Madrid. 

“There’s nothing better that could happen” - Lucky loser Anastasia Potapova stunned Pliskova in Madrid to reach her first WTA 1000 semifinal...

Lucky Loser Anastasia Potapova Makes History in Madrid With Semifinal Run

Anastasia Potapova turned tennis heartbreak into history by becoming the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal after her thrilling 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3 win over Karolina Pliskova at the Madrid Open on Wednesday.

The Russian-born Austrian, who lost in qualifying last week, capitalized on her unexpected main draw spot by stunning former world No. 1 Pliskova in a roller-coaster match despite letting three match points slip.

Potapova’s run has included impressive wins over former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and world No. 2 Elena Rybakina.

When asked if she thought she’d be in the final four after that qualifying loss, the unseeded Potapova said: “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.”

After rolling through the opening set, Potapova looked set for a straightforward win when she earned three match points in the second.

But Pliskova fought back to force a tiebreak and level the match.

Potapova trailed 3-1 in the decider, only to win five straight games and clinch victory with her 10th ace before dropping to her knees.

The dream continues! ✨

Anastasia Potapova becomes the first lucky loser to reach the semifinals at a Tier 1/WTA 1000 event!#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/xCrzuq2Bvc

— wta (@WTA) April 29, 2026

“But it seems like this tournament keeps giving me second chances and I keep using them.”

“I was given a few match points in the second set on serve. I couldn't manage my nerves at the time, I know that,” Potapova said.

“But it seems like this tournament keeps giving me second chances and I keep using them.”

Potapova will face Marta Kostyuk or Linda Noskova in the semifinals.