Horrible Scenes at US Open as Anastasia Potapova Breaks Down in Tears After Injury

Anastasia Potapova suffered a frightening leg injury in the final moments of her US Open round of 16 match against Mirra Andreeva. Potapova broke down in tears and was overcome with emotion and physical distress after her historic Grand Slam run was halted near the finish line. The emotional and physical toll left her unable to continue, effectively ending her campaign. Just two days earlier, she had secured the biggest win of her tournament by upsetting last year's finalist Amanda Anisimova in a straight-sets victory to reach the second week of the US Open for the first time in her career. Anastasia Potapova hurt her leg badly during her match against Mirra Andreeva at the US Open. It looks like she hyperextended it. Mirra walked over to check on her. Hopefully it's not a serious injury… this would be a very sad way for a great match to end. ❤️‍ pic.twitter.com/z64KuDmhaX The severity of the damage is still being evaluated by medical personnel. Fans and fellow players alike are hoping the recovery window is short so she can build on the career-best momentum she generated this summer. After winning the opening set, the 24th-seeded Potapova ultimately succumbed to a 5–7, 6–4, 6–3 defeat, with the severe physical setback casting a dark shadow over what had been a spectacular, highly competitive battle. Late in the deciding third set, while serving down 3–5, Potapova suffered a bad landing that severely compromised her knee and leg. Observers noted it appeared to be a painful hyperextension. A medical timeout was immediately called on Louis Armstrong Stadium as trainers rushed out to evaluate the injury. Seeing her close friend in immense pain, the 5th-seeded French Open champion Andreeva walked across the net to check on Potapova on her side of the court. Visibly restricted and unable to move effectively, Potapova bravely played out the remaining points, allowing Andreeva to close out the match and advance to her first career US Open quarterfinal This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.