Anastasia Potapova stages an epic turnaround at the Madrid Open: from “lucky loser” to semifinalist after eliminating former world number one Karolina Pliskova in a battle of nerves and raw emotions.
Without even having secured qualification for the tournament, Potapova entered the main draw of the WTA 1000 in Madrid as a “lucky loser” and is now on the path to the semifinals, following a dramatic victory against the powerful Pliskova. The Russian player experienced an emotional rollercoaster during the match, which she only managed to resolve in the third set after wasting three match points in the second set.
“It’s not time to celebrate yet — there’s still more tennis ahead. But it was an incredible fight today,” Potapova confessed in an exclusive interview with Tennis Channel, visibly emotional. Regarding her performance in the first set, the young athlete had no doubts: “The truth is, looking back, it was one of the best sets I’ve ever played in my career. Physically, mentally, and tactically, everything worked perfectly.”
However, the game turned in the second set when Pliskova raised her level, especially in her serve, and Potapova revealed a more human and vulnerable side. “I was winning 5-3, but suddenly my serve disappeared… it felt like I wanted drama, I didn’t want it to be easy,” she said with an ironic smile. “I went through a rollercoaster of emotions — from crying to telling myself to shut up and focus on the job. I’m very happy that, in the end, I managed to control everything and reach the semi-finals.”
The pressure was such that tennis ceased to be the main factor in the third set. “I think what kept me going was realizing that she was feeling the tension too. Maybe she sensed that I was struggling emotionally, and that made her nervous as well. The break I managed to get was like a breath of air, it gave me the strength to move forward. From that point on, I knew I couldn’t give up.”
Potapova also revealed that a decisive moment was the support and toughness of her boyfriend, fellow tennis player Tallon Griekspoor, who gave her a “reality check” during the most critical moments. “He came in at the most important time and said some not very pleasant, but very direct things to me. I know they were said with love. He was the one who brought me back to reality. I give him a lot of credit for that.”
This clay court season has been a true revolution in the career of the young Russian, who not only reached the final of the Upper Austria Ladies Linz but is also making history at the WTA 1000 level. A strategic change in her preparation was key to this success: “For the first time, I decided not to play at the Miami Open. It was a risk, but I felt I needed more time to train and improve in certain aspects. I went back home and had an intense training block on clay. I’m happy it worked out and it’s helping a lot.”
Luck has also smiled on Potapova, who does not consider herself a lucky player, but made the most of the second chance she was given in the tournament. “After losing, I didn’t know if I would enter the main draw. I took a few days to rest, be with my family, and enjoy the good weather in Madrid. When I got the call saying I had 30 minutes before my next match, I knew I had a unique opportunity. And when I have a second chance, I make the most of it.”
The mental strain has been enormous, but the tennis player remains focused and determined. “I’m exhausted; it was very difficult mentally today. But that’s what keeps me motivated — I don’t want to stop. I’m enjoying being here. It’s beautiful, and this second opportunity makes everything even more special. I just want to enjoy and have fun.”
Potapova also highlights her discipline and planning, characteristics that help her keep a cool head even in the most tense situations. “I’m very strict. If you ask me what my life will be like in 10 years, I can tell you day by day. I like everything organized and planned, and I love that.”
Now, with the dream of reaching the semi-finals already achieved, Anastasia Potapova will continue to fight for an unlikely title at the WTA 1000 in Madrid, in a campaign that promises to go down in the history of women’s tennis. Will this “lucky loser” be able to turn her fortune into a definitive glory on Spanish clay? The tennis world is watching.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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