Iga Swiatek pulled off a negative WTA record after being bageled by Elena Rybakina during a WTA Finals defeat as the world No. 2 is the first player in 12 years to lose a third set with a 0-6 scoreline.
On Monday, Elena Rybakina mounted a remarkable 3-6 6-1 6-0 comeback to beat the six-time Grand Slam champion in their WTA Finals showdown.
During the 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons, Swiatek led the WTA Tour in a wide margin in the category of sets won with a 6-0 scoreline. With 17 handed-out bagels this year, the 24-year-old Pole is set to finish the year with the most 6-0 sets won for the fourth year in a row.
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But unlike in the previous year, Swiatek has also received some bagels from her rivals - Aryna Sabalenka beat the Pole 7-6 (1) 4-6 6-0 in the French Open semifinal and Emma Navarro registered a 6-4 4-6 6-0 win over the former world No. 1 in Wuhan. And by losing the third set of her WTA Finals match versus Rybakina with a 0-6 scoreline, the 24-year-old is the first player since Flavia Pennetta in 2013 to have three such losses in a season.
Swiatek's honest admission after losing to Rybakina
Rybakina was more aggressive and solid in finishing rallies. I need to watch this match again to understand everything, but also not overanalyze it. I'm trying to occupy my mind with other things between matches. Right now, I'm watching Game of Thrones," the six-time Grand Slam champion said after her defeat.
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Swiatek will battle against Amanda Anisimova in a direct semifinal spot in her WTA Finals group-stage finale. The Pole beat Anisimova in the Wimbledon final this year but lost in their US Open quarterfinal match.
