Anastasia Potapova has made history by becoming the first lucky loser player to reach the WTA 1000 semi-finals at the Madrid Open.
Potapova defeated Karolina Pliskova 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3 in a match that lasted one hour and 54 minutes.
The world number 56 looked set for a straight sets win after leading 6-1, 5-3 in the second set and earning three match points.
However, Pliskova forced a decider before Potapova went down 3–1, winning five consecutive games to secure the match.
Potapova’s run has included wins over top players, including former world number one and Grand Slam champions such as Jelena Ostapenko and Elena Rybakina.
Her progress marks a significant milestone, with Potapova becoming the first Austrian representative to reach a WTA 1000 or Tier I semifinal since 2007.
The 25-year-old will next face Linda Noskova or Marta Kostyuk as she looks to continue her successful run in Madrid.
At The News Digital, our editors combine an understanding of entertainment with global reporting expertise. Expect authoritative coverage of royals, Hollywood and trending topics, as well as clear, credible updates on science, politics, sports and business. We keep it accurate, current and easy to understand, so you can stay ahead.
