TENNIS: Lucky loser Potapova makes history with Madrid Open semi-final run

MADRID, April 30 (Reuters) – Anastasia Potapova made WTA history on Wednesday by becoming the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semi-final, defeating former world number one Karolina Pliskova 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3 in a dramatic Madrid Open quarter-final.

The Russian-born Austrian, who lost in qualifying last week, has taken full advantage of her unexpected main draw entry. She stunned Pliskova in a roller-coaster match, overcoming a missed opportunity to close out the contest after holding three match points in the second set.

Potapova’s breakthrough run has included notable wins over former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and world number two Elena Rybakina, underlining her rise as one of the tournament’s surprise contenders.

“No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything,” Potapova said when asked if she had expected a semi-final run after her qualifying defeat. “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 a dominant opening set, Potapova looked on course for a straight-sets win when she reached three match points in the second. However, Pliskova fought back to force a tiebreak and level the match.

In the deciding set, Potapova recovered from a 3-1 deficit by winning five consecutive games before sealing victory with her 10th ace, dropping to her knees in celebration after securing a landmark win.

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

Potapova will now face Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in the semi-finals. Kostyuk defeated Linda Noskova 7-6(1), 6-0 and holds a previous victory over Potapova in Madrid last year.

-Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Trevor Stynes, editing by Ed Osmond and Clare Fallon/Reuters