Iga Swiatek left bewildered after finding out her WTA Finals thrashing of Daria Kasatkina did not help her advance to the semifinals

Despite playing one of her most efficient matches at the 2024 WTA Finals, Iga Swiatek discovered her efforts were in vain after being told the results did not improve her chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.

The former World No.1 was ruthless in her demolition of alternate Daria Kasatkina, who stepped in after American Jessica Pegula withdrew from the event. After losing her previous round robin group match to Coco Gauff, Swiatek was clinical in her victory over Kasatkina, recording a 6-1 6-0 win over the Russian.

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Gauff held the keys to Swiatek's qualification

Perhaps due to some miscommunication between Swiatek and her coaching team, but it appears the Polish star was unaware of the scenarios required for her advancement to the semifinals. Swiatek had defeated Barbora Krejcikova in three sets earlier in the group stage, but fallen to Gauff in straight sets. Therefore, the Roland Garros champion assumed she would need a convincing victory in her third group match to advance to the knockout stage.

After getting the job done, Swiatek seemed pleased with the results as she answered questions during her post-match conference. However, the defending champion was soon informed her victory over Kasatkina had little bearing on whether or not she advanced. The only way Swiatek could make it to the next round was if Gauff defeated Krejcikova, who also had a 1-1 record prior to her last match.

"Did you understand going in that that match would have no bearing on your advancement to the semifinals?" asked a reporter.

"You mean it didn't matter?' responded a confused Swiatek.

"Basically, winning or losing, your result doesn't matter. The later one does," said another reporter.

"Oh....thanks," said a dejected Swiatek as the room erupted with laughter.