But like a famous American heavyweight boxer once said: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
For Kasatkina, the blows came from all directions on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
From Swiatek’s relentless aggression, which produced 22 winners and didn’t allow Kasatkina to capitalise on her opportunities. And from inside herself, as she struggled to keep a lid on her mounting frustration as the match got away from her.
“She didn't do anything which I was not ready for,” Kasatkina told press after her 6-2, 6-1 defeat. “The thing is I was too emotional today, and I couldn't handle the nerves the way I was able to do the previous matches.
“I think that's normal. Also, during the match she was playing better and better. All together [it] brings the match to this point.”
Kasatkina had been in ominous form all fortnight long, and she hadn’t dropped a set on her way to the semi-finals – something even the dominant Swiatek wasn’t able to achieve.