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. Jannik Sinner is through to the last four in the men’s event after securing his 21st victory in a row. Potapova, 25, had already seen off former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and world number two Elena Rybakina.
“No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything,” said Potapova 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.”
