In a decisive opening-round match at the 2026 DC Open, Anastasia Potapova defeated seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams 6-3, 6-3, ending the contest in just over an hour. The victory marked a significant turnaround for Potapova, who had struggled in recent months.
Potapova, 25, secured her first-ever win in Washington, overcoming a challenging run that saw her lose four of five matches following a third-round triumph over Coco Gauff at the French Open. This performance signals a potential resurgence for the Russian player, who had been eager to seize the opportunity against a legend of the sport.
Anastasia Potapova Snaps 2026 Skid with DC Open Score
Reflecting on her matchup with Williams, Potapova expressed admiration for the American’s career. “Growing up, I was always looking at her and how she was winning all these tournaments,” she said. “I’m super happy that I got a chance to play her.”
The match itself was dominated by Potapova’s consistency and precision. She maintained a strong hold on her service games, never facing a break point, and finished with a commanding 20-to-8 ratio of winners to unforced errors.
Williams, on the other hand, struggled to find her rhythm. The veteran player managed only nine winners while committing 19 unforced errors. Her performance suffered most notably on second serve, where she converted just 24% of points, undermining her ability to stay competitive throughout the match.
This defeat extended Williams’s losing streak to 12 matches on the WTA Tour, underscoring the ongoing challenges she faces this season.