Potapova says representing Austria boosted confidence after French Open upset

Anastasia Potapova believes her decision to represent Austria has significantly enhanced her confidence, a sentiment that seems to be paying off on the court. The Russian-born player achieved a notable upset at the French Open on Saturday, defeating the defending champion Coco Gauff.

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I think it's also being a coincidence, which is nice, but also at the same time I do feel free, I feel better, I feel the support from Austrian people.

Potapova rallied from a set down to secure a 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4 victory over the fourth-seeded Gauff. This breakthrough season follows her switch in allegiance to Austria in December, after obtaining citizenship. "I do feel free, I feel better, I feel the support from Austrian people," Potapova told reporters when asked about the impact of her move. "For sure it's given me extra boost of energy to fight for those wins."

Potapova is among several Russian players who have changed their national representation since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This year, she has established herself as a consistent performer on clay courts. Notably, last month she became the first lucky loser to reach the semi-finals of a WTA 1000 event in Madrid, defeating notable players like Karolina Pliskova, Jelena Ostapenko, and Elena Rybakina.

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For sure it's given me extra boost of energy to fight for those wins.

When discussing her current form, Potapova pointed to a combination of factors. "I've been here for 10 years on tour. This is the first time I managed to do this well and stay this consistent," she said. "Maybe it's a combination of everything, of the experience that I have from previous years, of also a maturity that I grown up, that I changed the mentality in my head."

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I've been here for 10 years on tour. This is the first time I managed to do this well and stay this consistent.

She also highlighted changes within her team and approach. "We switched a lot of things with my team. I switched my team, first of all, and then we started to work on the new things. I think it's just giving a positivity now," Potapova added, emphasizing the positive shift in her mindset and strategy.

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Maybe it's a combination of everything, of the experience that I have from previous years, of also a maturity that I grown up, that I changed the mentality in my head.