Lucky loser Potapova wants more after stunning Rybakina in Madrid

Anastasia Potapova does not want to stop her progression following an impressive victory at the Madrid Open over Elena Rybakina.

The Austrian, who is a lucky loser in the tournament after falling short in qualifying, defeated Rybakina 7-6 (10-8) 6-4 in the Spanish capital on Monday.

Potapova lost her opening service game in the match but recovered to force a tie-break in the first, where Rybakina squandered a set point on her way to going behind.

Twenty-five-year-old Potapova found herself a break down in the second as well, but reeled off three consecutive games to clinch a surprise win over the world number two.

Potapova is the third lucky loser to reach a WTA-1000 quarter-final in 2026 after Elisabetta Cocciaretto (Doha) and Antonia Ruzic (Dubai).

Before 2026, only Taylor Townsend (Toronto 2024) had achieved the feat in the format's history.

3 - Anastasia Potapova is the third LL to reach a WTA-1000 QF in 2026 after Elisabetta Cocciaretto (Doha) and Antonia Ruzic (Dubai) – before 2026, only Taylor Townsend (Toronto 2024) had achieved the feat in the format’s history. Opportunities.#MMOPEN | @MutuaMadridOpen @WTA pic.twitter.com/J7KcL08TqS

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) April 27, 2026

And having defeated Jelena Ostapenko in the previous round, Potapova is the third lucky loser in the Open Era to defeat multiple grand slam champions at a single WTA-level event after Elina Avanesyan (Cincinnati 2024) and Ruzic (Dubai 2026).

It was also the first time Potapova defeated multiple grand slam champions at a single WTA-level event in her career, though the Austrian is eager to strive for more.

"I got my second chance during this tournament, and I think I'm using it pretty [well]," Potapova said in her on-court interview. "I'm just enjoying being here. "

"She's number two. She's one of the best right now. Of course I'm feeling grateful for this win, but I don't want to stop.

"I want to keep improving and maybe get closer to these girls in the meantime. "

Potapova will face former world number one Karolina Pliskova for a spot in the semi-finals in Madrid.