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.