Bitter! Potapova Loses US Open Round of 16 After Injury

Anastasia Potapova's wait for her first Grand Slam quarter-final continues.

Austria's number one falls to fifth-seeded Mirra Andreeva in the US Open Round of 16, with a score of 7:5, 4:6, 3:6.

Despite a strong performance, the 25-year-old misses out on the biggest success of her career to date. In the third round, Potapova sensationally eliminated tenth-seeded US finalist from last year, Amanda Anisimova.

Against Andreeva, the Austrian engaged in an intense battle lasting over 2 hours and 25 minutes, but ultimately the 19-year-old Russian prevailed.

Particularly bitter: In the final game of the match, Potapova appears to have injured her knee.

Potapova Secures Contested First Set

The duel began evenly. Potapova strongly countered Andreeva, who played with great pressure, and held her first service game.

After that, the Austrian once again showcased her return qualities. Andreeva made an unforced error, and Potapova capitalized on her first break chance to take a 2-0 lead.

However, the world number five immediately struck back. Potapova failed to consolidate her break and had to relinquish her serve, making it 2-1.

After that, both players held their serves. At 5-4, Andreeva served to stay in the set – and initially held her nerve. In long and intense rallies, the young Russian prevailed, leveling the score at 5-5.

Potapova, however, stayed persistent and again went up 6-5. Andreeva displayed negative emotions for the first time after missing an easy forehand.

Once again, the 19-year-old had to serve to stay in the set – this time, she couldn't withstand the pressure. After two double faults, Andreeva fell behind 0-40.

Potapova converted her very first set point, securing the first set 7-5 after just under an hour.

Andreeva Strikes Back

The second set started as poorly as possible for Potapova. At 30-30, she committed a double fault, and Andreeva subsequently got a break point, which she immediately converted.

The Russian consolidated the break to make it 2-0. Potapova struggled with her first serve during this phase and had to fight hard in her own service game. With difficulty, she prevented another break and narrowed the deficit to 1-2.

This visibly annoyed Andreeva. The 19-year-old fretted after almost every lost point and gesticulated wildly towards her box.

Potapova remained calm and exploited the brief weak phase. In the very next game, she earned a break chance and leveled the score at 2-2.

After that, the duel once again became even. Both players held their service games until 3-3.

Then Andreeva increased the pressure again. Potapova couldn't prevent the break to 3-4 and was subsequently trailing.

The Austrian fought fiercely but could no longer avert the loss of the set. Andreeva secured the second set 6-4, forcing a decisive third set.

Injury in Deciding Set

In the third set, Potapova also came under early pressure. Again, she had to drop her first service game and trailed 0-1.

But the Austrian showed spirit and immediately struck back. She achieved a break back to love, making it 1-1.

Both players were prone to errors in this phase. Potapova, however, had to relinquish her serve again shortly after and trailed 1-2.

The 25-year-old then earned two break points herself but couldn't convert them. Andreeva consequently pulled ahead to 3-1.

After the turbulent start, both players stabilized. Potapova fought for every point and averted a premature decision at 2-4 by bravely fending off two break points.

At 3-5, Potapova eventually served to stay in the match. Austria's number one injured her knee on the first rally and required treatment.

After a lengthy medical timeout, the 25-year-old was able to finish the match but was severely hampered and had no chance.

After 2 hours and 25 minutes, the Russian converted her first match point.

Dream Shattered Against Bogey Opponent

Thus, Potapova's dream of a first Grand Slam quarter-final comes to an end. At the same time, an unsettled score remains against Andreeva: last year, the Austrian had already been eliminated by the Russian in the US Open in the second round.

For the 19-year-old, the quarter-final will be against an American. She will either face fourth-seeded Coco Gauff or her compatriot Iva Jovic (WTA-14).