Anastasia Potapova's U.S. Open campaign concluded with a tearful exit in the fourth round on Monday, as a lower-body injury hampered her final set against fellow Russian Mirra Andreeva. The 25-year-old world No. 25 was seen wiping away tears as she walked toward the net following the match at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Andreeva, 19, showed sportsmanship by aiding Potapova after she fell and appeared to injure her left knee while trailing 5-3 in the decisive third set. Potapova, who had taken the first set 7-5 before losing the second 6-4, received treatment on court but was unable to continue at full capacity. Andreeva won the remaining points to secure a 6-3 victory in the final set.
"Nastya, she’s my good friend. Seeing what a battle we had and in the last game seeing her fall like this, it’s not easy," Andreeva said during her on-court interview. "I can’t imagine what she’s going through... It’s not the way obviously you want to finish the match, or you want to see one of your good friends finish the match." Andreeva added that she was sure Potapova would "come back even stronger because she’s a warrior."
Potapova's performance marked a significant achievement in her tournament. She had advanced to the fourth round by defeating the 2025 finalist Amanda Anisimova in straight sets in the third round. That victory had brought her to within one win of her first career Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance.
Andreeva, who recently won her first Grand Slam title at the French Open in May, will advance to face Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals. She acknowledged a long-standing admiration for Potapova, calling her a "little star" and recalling when Potapova won the 2016 Wimbledon Girls’ singles title. The two players have a history of practicing together, fostering a connection that extends beyond the court.
"The more you see each other, the more you spend time together, then, you know, you just talk about everything, discuss everything. Then just like that, I feel like we have a good connection off the court,” Andreeva said.