Sidumisile Mabena
Anastasia Potapova has become the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semi-final thanks to her thrilling victory over Karolina Pliskova at the Madrid Open.
The Russian-born Austrian lost in qualifying last week but was given a place in the main draw when another player pulled out.
And she secured a 6-1 6-7 (7-4) 6-3 win over former world number one Pliskova in the last eight to continue her stunning run in the Spanish capital.
Jannik Sinner is through to the last four in the men’s event after securing his 21st victory in a row.
Potapova, 25, had already seen off former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and world number two Elena Rybakina.
“No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything,” said Potapova 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 looked set for a comfortable victory after taking the first set in just 24 minutes before securing three match points in the second.
However, Pliskova fought back to force a tie-break and then level the match, before taking a 3-1 lead in the deciding set.
But Potapova responded by reeling off five consecutive games and sealed victory with her 10th ace before collapsing to her knees.
She will face 26th seed Marta Kostyuk in the semi-finals after the Ukrainian beat Czech 13th seed Linda Noskova 7-6 (7-1) 6-0. —BBC
Online Reporter