Iga Swiatek left bewildered after finding out her WTA Finals thrashing of Daria Kasatkina did not help her advance to the semifinals
WTA
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.
Iga Swiatek's reaction when she found out that her result had no bearing on her chances to qualify for the semi-finals in Riyadh 😂😂#WTAFinals pic.twitter.com/cWWEBFSVVs
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) November 7, 2024
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- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!
mandoist12-11-2026 - Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.
mandoist12-11-2026 - I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
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mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!
mandoist09-11-2026 - "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?
mandoist09-11-2026 - Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.
mandoist08-11-2026 - Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026








