Anastasia Potapova reaches historic Madrid Open semi-final with Pliskova win
Anastasia Potapova has become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semi-final after defeating former world number one Karolina Pliskova at the Madrid Open.
The Russian-born Austrian secured a dramatic 6-1 6-7 (7-4) 6-3 victory to continue her stunning run in the Spanish capital.
She had initially lost in qualifying last week before receiving a main draw place following a late withdrawal.
Her remarkable progression in Madrid has already featured impressive wins over former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and world number two Elena Rybakina.
“No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything.”
Potapova said when asked if she thought a semi-final appearance was possible after her initial 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.”
Pliskova fights back before Potapova triumphs
The 25-year-old initially looked poised for a comfortable win after storming through the opening set in just 24 minutes.
She then secured three match points in the second set before Pliskova rallied to force a tie-break.
The experienced Czech levelled the match and surged into a 3-1 lead in the deciding set.
However, the lucky loser responded brilliantly by reeling off five consecutive games to rescue the tie.
She sealed the historic victory with her 10th ace of the contest before collapsing to her knees in celebration.
A semi-final clash against either Marta Kostyuk or Linda Noskova now awaits.
Sinner extends remarkable winning streak
In the men’s draw, world number one Jannik Sinner reached the Madrid semi-finals for the first time in his career.
The Italian extended his unbeaten run to 21 matches with a 6-2 7-6 (7-0) victory over Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar.
He is now bidding for a fifth consecutive ATP Masters 1000 title following recent triumphs in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo.
The four-time Grand Slam champion was forced to work hard against the 19-year-old home favourite in a match lasting just under two hours.
“Tough challenge, I knew before the match that he was going to be very tough to beat, especially here.”
Sinner told Sky Sports after the hard-fought victory.
“He’s from here and he knows exactly how to play in these conditions. 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.”
Top seed survives second-set scare
The top seed quickly took control of the opening set, saving an early break point before winning five straight games.
Jodar created break point opportunities of his own at 3-2 and 4-3 in the second set, but the Italian held firm under mounting pressure.
The Madrid-born teenager showcased his potential by saving three break points to hold serve and eventually force a tie-break.
However, Sinner demonstrated his elite pedigree by delivering a masterclass in the breaker, winning it without dropping a single point.
