Marta Kostyuk Battles Past Potapova to Reach First WTA 1000 Final in Madrid

Key facts

• Marta Kostyuk defeated Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 1-6, 6-1 in 1 hour 36 minutes in the Madrid semifinals.
• The match ended just before midnight in Manolo Santana Stadium.
• Kostyuk, the No. 26 seed, will face No. 9 seed Mirra Andreeva in Saturday's final.
• This is Kostyuk's first WTA 1000 final and her 10th straight main-draw victory at that level.
• Kostyuk won the Open de Rouen earlier this month, her second WTA singles title.
• She now leads Potapova 3-2 in head-to-head, winning three straight.
• Potapova became the first lucky loser to reach a Madrid quarterfinal since 2009.
• Andreeva saved three set points in her semifinal against Hailey Baptiste to advance.

A Gritty Win Under the Lights

Marta Kostyuk is through to her first WTA 1000 final in Madrid after defeating Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 1-6, 6-1 in Thursday's second semifinal. The match wrapped just before midnight inside Manolo Santana Stadium, but despite the late finish, Kostyuk looked energized as she walked off the court. "Even in tough moments today, I really tried to enjoy this moment being in the semifinals here," Kostyuk said in her on-court interview. "And no matter how it would turn out, I really just -- in 20-30 years, I want to think about this moment and really smile about it. Don't remember the misery or being hard on myself, because at the end of the day, we all go out on court, and we do our absolute best always." The victory in 1 hour and 36 minutes sends her into her first WTA 1000 final, where she'll face No. 9 seed Mirra Andreeva on Saturday for what would be the biggest title of her career.

A Tale of Two Sets

The semifinal was a match of stark contrasts. Kostyuk dominated the first set 6-2, but Potapova punched back with a dominant second set, winning it 6-1 to force a decider. It was the first set Kostyuk had dropped all week. Credit to Potapova: after straight-set losses in their previous two meetings, including last year's Mutua Madrid Open fourth round, she showed resilience. But Kostyuk regrouped, taking the final set 6-1 with renewed intensity. The win marks her 10th straight main-draw victory at the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz level, extending the best stretch of her career. Coming off a title in Rouen, she is through to back-to-back finals for the first time.

Kostyuk's Rise and Mindset Shift

Kostyuk, 23, has been on a remarkable run in 2026. Earlier this month, she won her second WTA singles title at the Open de Rouen, setting her up for a strong Madrid campaign. Her victory over Linda Noskova in the quarterfinals — 7-6(1) 6-0 — showcased her ability to close out tight sets and dominate. A recent article highlighted the mindset shift powering Kostyuk's rise: "I would destroy myself internally," she said, reflecting on past struggles. Now, she focuses on enjoying the moment, a philosophy she reiterated after the semifinal.

Potapova's Unlikely Run

Anastasia Potapova entered the Madrid Open as a lucky loser, becoming the first to reach a quarterfinal since the women's event began in 2009. The Russian-born Austrian professional, now ranked 97th, bounced back from early setbacks to defeat Zhang Shuai, Jelena Ostapenko, and Elena Rybakina en route to the last eight. Potapova has three career titles and reached a career-high ranking of 21st in 2023, but injuries and consistency issues have halted her momentum. Her run in Madrid signals a potential resurgence.

The Final: Kostyuk vs. Andreeva

Kostyuk will face Mirra Andreeva, the No. 9 seed, in Saturday's final. Andreeva saved three set points in her semifinal against Hailey Baptiste to advance, showing composure under pressure. Andreeva, 18, is one of the tour's rising stars, and the final promises a clash of generations. For Kostyuk, it is an opportunity to claim the biggest title of her career and continue her ascent up the rankings.

Stakes and Outlook

A victory on Saturday would give Kostyuk her first WTA 1000 title and solidify her position among the elite. Her 10-match winning streak at the WTA Tour level is the best of her career, and her mental fortitude has been a key factor. For Potapova, the semifinal run provides a platform to rebuild her ranking and confidence. The Madrid Open has once again delivered drama and high-quality tennis, with the women's final set to be a fitting climax.

The bottom line

• Marta Kostyuk reaches her first WTA 1000 final after a three-set win over Anastasia Potapova.
• Kostyuk's 10-match winning streak at WTA Tour level is the best of her career.
• Potapova became the first lucky loser to reach a Madrid quarterfinal since 2009.
• Kostyuk will face Mirra Andreeva in the final, a clash of experience versus youth.
• The final is scheduled for Saturday at the Madrid Open.