Potapova Becomes First Lucky Loser to Reach WTA 1000 Semi-Finals
Anastasia Potapova has made history by becoming the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semi-final after her thrilling victory over Karolina Pliskova at the Madrid Open.
The Russian-born Austrian player lost in qualifying last week but was granted entry into the main draw following the withdrawal of another competitor.
Potapova secured a 6-1, 6-7 (7-4), 6-3 win over former world number one Pliskova in the quarter-finals, extending her remarkable run in the Spanish capital.
Potapova, 25, had already defeated former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and world number two Elena Rybakina earlier in the tournament.
"No, I wouldn't, for any money and anything," Potapova said 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."
Potapova appeared poised for a straightforward victory after taking the first set in just 24 minutes and earning three match points in the second set.
However, Pliskova rallied to force a tiebreak and level the match, then took a 3-1 lead in the deciding set.
Potapova responded by winning five consecutive games and sealed the match with her 10th ace before collapsing to her knees in celebration.
She will face either Marta Kostyuk or Linda Noskova in the semi-finals.
Sinner Advances to Madrid Open Semi-Finals with 21st Consecutive Win
In the men's tournament, world number one Jannik Sinner reached the Madrid Open semi-finals for the first time, extending his winning streak to 21 matches.
The Italian defeated 19-year-old Spanish hopeful Rafael Jodar 6-2, 7-6 (7-0) in just under two hours.
Sinner is pursuing his fifth consecutive ATP Masters 1000 title, having won in Paris late last year and already secured titles at Indian Wells, Miami Open, and Monte Carlo in 2026.
Despite the straight-sets victory, Sinner faced a tough challenge from Madrid native Jodar, who demonstrated his potential by competing closely in the second set.
"Tough challenge, I knew before the match that he was going to be very tough to beat, especially here, he's from here and he knows exactly how to play in these conditions," Sinner told Sky Sports.
Sinner quickly took control of the match, saving a break point at 2-1 before winning five consecutive games to claim the first set.
The second set was more competitive, with Jodar earning break points at 3-2 and 4-3, though Sinner held his serve each time.
Jodar saved three break points to hold serve and took a 5-4 lead, forcing a tiebreak.
In the tiebreak, Sinner displayed his experience by winning without dropping a point.
"I've got a little bit more experience and in the second set got a little bit lucky at times with a couple of lines and net cords," he added.
"But I tried to keep the level as high as I could... I'm happy with how I ended the match.
"[Jodar] is an incredible player. Spain has one more incredible player so it's great for the sport."
Sinner will face either France's Arthur Fils or Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka in the semi-finals.
