Austria’s Rising Tennis Star Battles Hard but Falls Short

Austrian tennis sensation Anastasia Potapova has exited the Australian Open, marking the end of the nation’s singles representation in the tournament. On January 23, 2026, Potapova faced top seed Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus in a highly competitive third-round match.

Austrian Star Competes Strongly

The match lasted 2 hours and 2 minutes, with Potapova ultimately losing in a nail-biting fashion, 6-7(4), 6-7(7). Despite the loss, Potapova delivered a remarkable performance. She encountered adversity, particularly in the second set where she held four set points but could not convert them, a feat Sabalenka successfully thwarted.

Proud of Her Performance

Following her defeat, Potapova expressed satisfaction with her overall performance. The 24-year-old, who has been representing Austria since the beginning of the year, emphasized her growth during the tournament. “This was the closest match I’ve played against a world number one. I’m happy with how I performed,” she stated.

• Potapova faced injury challenges; she played with a broken left index finger.
• She commented on the pain experienced during critical points of the match, particularly at 5-5 in the first set.
• Despite the physical limitations, she remained determined to compete fiercely.

Gaining Confidence

Despite her exit, Potapova noted an increase in her self-confidence. “I wanted to see how far I could push myself. I realized I’m not far off. If I can challenge Aryna in two tiebreaks, I can do so against others on tour,” she reflected.

Sabalenka’s Praise

After the match, Aryna Sabalenka praised Potapova’s skill and resilience. “She played incredible tennis. I was often on the defensive,” Sabalenka commented, revealing her emotional state during the match. Despite the pressure, she managed to secure the win and will advance to face Canada’s young star, 19-year-old Victoria Mboko.

The match showcased Potapova’s potential and determination, positioning her as a rising star in the tennis world and leaving fans hopeful for her future endeavors.