Deadspin | Magic extend Hornets’ playoff drought, face Pistons next Apr 17, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots against Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) during the first quarter during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images Paolo Banchero scored 25 points to lead five players in double figures for the host Orlando Magic, who advanced to the Eastern Conference playoffs by routing the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 in a play-in game on Friday night. The Magic, who finished eighth during the regular season, earned the eighth seed and will face the top-seeded Pistons in a best-of-seven first-round series beginning Sunday night in Detroit. This is the third straight trip to the playoffs for the Magic — the longest streak for the franchise since a team-record six straight appearances from 2007-12. LaMelo Ball scored 23 points for the Hornets, who finished ninth in the East. Charlotte earned a dramatic 127-126 overtime win over the Miami Heat in the first play-in game Tuesday but missed the postseason for the 10th straight year — the NBA’s longest active drought. Franz Wagner had 18 points while Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 16 for the Magic, who also received 13 from Desmond Bane and 12 from Jalen Suggs. Orlando shot 50% (42 of 84) from the field and 29.6% (8 for 27) from 3-point range. Miles Bridges scored 15 points, Brandon Miller had 14 and Kon Knueppel added 11 in Charlotte’s most lopsided loss of the season. The visitors shot just 33% (28 of 83) from the field and 26.7% (12 of 45) from beyond the arc. Miller’s 3-pointer gave the Hornets their only lead at 5-4 with 9:58 left in the first quarter. The Magic scored the next 10 points, after which Bridges and Miller combined for five consecutive points. The Magic responded by taking control with a 13-0 run as Carter and Banchero combined for 11 points to take a 27-10 lead. Goga Bitadze’s layup gave Orlando its first 20-point lead at 36-16 with 54 seconds left. The Magic led by as many as 35 in the second before entering the half with a 68-37 advantage. Orlando led 102-71 at the end of the third and by as many as 33 in the fourth. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Magic #extend #Hornets #playoff #drought #face #Pistons

Deadspin | Magic extend Hornets’ playoff drought, face Pistons next
Apr 17, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots against Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) during the first quarter during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Paolo Banchero scored 25 points to lead five players in double figures for the host Orlando Magic, who advanced to the Eastern Conference playoffs by routing the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 in a play-in game on Friday night.

The Magic, who finished eighth during the regular season, earned the eighth seed and will face the top-seeded Pistons in a best-of-seven first-round series beginning Sunday night in Detroit.

This is the third straight trip to the playoffs for the Magic — the longest streak for the franchise since a team-record six straight appearances from 2007-12.

LaMelo Ball scored 23 points for the Hornets, who finished ninth in the East. Charlotte earned a dramatic 127-126 overtime win over the Miami Heat in the first play-in game Tuesday but missed the postseason for the 10th straight year — the NBA’s longest active drought.

Franz Wagner had 18 points while Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 16 for the Magic, who also received 13 from Desmond Bane and 12 from Jalen Suggs. Orlando shot 50% (42 of 84) from the field and 29.6% (8 for 27) from 3-point range.

Miles Bridges scored 15 points, Brandon Miller had 14 and Kon Knueppel added 11 in Charlotte’s most lopsided loss of the season. The visitors shot just 33% (28 of 83) from the field and 26.7% (12 of 45) from beyond the arc.

Miller’s 3-pointer gave the Hornets their only lead at 5-4 with 9:58 left in the first quarter. The Magic scored the next 10 points, after which Bridges and Miller combined for five consecutive points.

The Magic responded by taking control with a 13-0 run as Carter and Banchero combined for 11 points to take a 27-10 lead. Goga Bitadze’s layup gave Orlando its first 20-point lead at 36-16 with 54 seconds left.

The Magic led by as many as 35 in the second before entering the half with a 68-37 advantage. Orlando led 102-71 at the end of the third and by as many as 33 in the fourth.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Magic #extend #Hornets #playoff #drought #face #Pistons

Sports news April 18, 2026

Apr 17, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) shoots against Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) during the first quarter during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Paolo Banchero scored 25 points to lead five players in double figures for the host Orlando Magic, who advanced to the Eastern Conference playoffs by routing the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 in a play-in game on Friday night.

The Magic, who finished eighth during the regular season, earned the eighth seed and will face the top-seeded Pistons in a best-of-seven first-round series beginning Sunday night in Detroit.

This is the third straight trip to the playoffs for the Magic — the longest streak for the franchise since a team-record six straight appearances from 2007-12.

LaMelo Ball scored 23 points for the Hornets, who finished ninth in the East. Charlotte earned a dramatic 127-126 overtime win over the Miami Heat in the first play-in game Tuesday but missed the postseason for the 10th straight year — the NBA’s longest active drought.

Franz Wagner had 18 points while Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 16 for the Magic, who also received 13 from Desmond Bane and 12 from Jalen Suggs. Orlando shot 50% (42 of 84) from the field and 29.6% (8 for 27) from 3-point range.

Miles Bridges scored 15 points, Brandon Miller had 14 and Kon Knueppel added 11 in Charlotte’s most lopsided loss of the season. The visitors shot just 33% (28 of 83) from the field and 26.7% (12 of 45) from beyond the arc.

Miller’s 3-pointer gave the Hornets their only lead at 5-4 with 9:58 left in the first quarter. The Magic scored the next 10 points, after which Bridges and Miller combined for five consecutive points.

The Magic responded by taking control with a 13-0 run as Carter and Banchero combined for 11 points to take a 27-10 lead. Goga Bitadze’s layup gave Orlando its first 20-point lead at 36-16 with 54 seconds left.

The Magic led by as many as 35 in the second before entering the half with a 68-37 advantage. Orlando led 102-71 at the end of the third and by as many as 33 in the fourth.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Magic #extend #Hornets #playoff #drought #face #Pistons

IPL 2026: Struggling Kolkata Knight Riders looks for foothold against high-flying Rajasthan Royals <div id="content-body-70877601" itemprop="articleBody"><p>If performance were currency in the Indian Premier League, third-placed Rajasthan Royals (RR) would have its wallet full while bottom-feeding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) would be left searching under the couch cushions.</p><p>Notwithstanding the minor blip in its last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, RR seems to have cracked the Twenty20 code, but Ajinkya Rahane and Co. have made losing look alarmingly routine.</p><p>As the schedule throws them together in the sultry afternoon conditions of the Eden Gardens here on Sunday, it is time to find out whether creative faculty does indeed trump desperation.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-2026-gt-vs-kkr-captain-ajinkya-rahane-on-kolkata-knight-riders-loss-cameron-green-form-no-bowling/article70876460.ece" target="_blank">Rahane focusses on positives after KKR’s loss</a></b></p><p>Kumar Sangakkara, RR’s head coach and director of cricket, hasn’t dropped guard despite the opponent’s winless form guide reading like a cry for help after six games. He said, “They’re a very tough and good side. But it’s about concentrating on what we do well. And then trying to do that over the course of 240 balls. We don’t take any side easy. Records don’t matter for anything when you play head-to-head.”</p><p>Statistics would say Sangakkara is being too generous. The PowerPlay, in fact, may end up dictating proceedings. For RR, thanks to electric starts from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, has the highest boundary percentage in the first six overs at 34.44. KKR batters have done only marginally better than Lucknow Super Giants (19.44) and Delhi Capitals (22.60) with 23.76.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8f2ge9/article70877607.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2150_7_4_2026_22_23_25_1_IPL_07032026_07.JPG" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8f2ge9/article70877607.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2150_7_4_2026_22_23_25_1_IPL_07032026_07.JPG" alt="Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will once again be the player to watch out for, as Rajasthan Royals take on KKR." title="Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will once again be the player to watch out for, as Rajasthan Royals take on KKR." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will once again be the player to watch out for, as Rajasthan Royals take on KKR. | Photo Credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will once again be the player to watch out for, as Rajasthan Royals take on KKR. | Photo Credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR </p></div><p>Adding salt to its wounds are KKR’s bowlers. They have conceded 60.5 runs on average per wicket in the first 36 balls—the worst for any team. Meanwhile, no team has fared better than RR’s 20.69 in this regard.</p><p>With how the season has turned out, the host would be thanking its stars it didn’t have to face the media on Saturday. The team touched down at 5:10pm after another humiliating defeat in Ahmedabad the previous night.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 18, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Struggling #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #foothold #highflying #Rajasthan #Royals

Deadspin | Kamilla Cardoso leads Sky’s second-half surge past Sun Jul 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) shoots a free throw against the Connecticut Sun during a second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Kamilla Cardoso scored 26 points and Sydney Taylor added 14 as the host Chicago Sky defeated the Connecticut Sun 94-88 on Thursday to stop a two-game skid. Connecticut (7-22) outrebounded Chicago (10-18) 34-28 and had all five starters score in double figures. But it wasn’t enough to stop the Sky, who outscored the Sun 54-39 after halftime to hand them their fourth straight loss. Aneesah Morrow remained on a tear for Connecticut. Two nights after scoring a career-best 21 points in a 92-84 loss at Washington, the second-year forward matched that total despite contributing just four points after halftime. Olivia Nelson-Ododa posted a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Sun. Diamond Miller (14 points), Leila Lacan (12) and Charlisse Leger-Walker (10) followed. Remaining steady after a strong start to the third quarter was the key for Chicago. After a Taylor trey brought the Sky within three at the 6:59 mark, Connecticut pushed the advantage back to 12 just over two minutes later after leading by 14 late in the first half. Cardoso hit two free throws to give the Sky a 74-72 lead with 6:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. She split a pair to push the lead to seven points with 3:20 left. She went 10-for-11 from the foul line with a team-high six rebounds to help the Sky lead by 10 in the final minute. Natasha Cloud scored 11 points for Chicago, and DiJonai Carrington contributed nine points in her team and season debut. Carrington missed the first half of the season with a sprained left foot. Carrington hadn’t played since September, when she sustained the injury during the Minnesota Lynx’s playoff run. Connecticut took a 49-40 lead into halftime. Long-range effectiveness helped the Sun create a cushion. They shot 4-for-8 from deep in the first 20 minutes compared to 2-for-14 for the Sky. Morrow (17 points) and Nelson-Ododa (12) led all scorers at intermission. Cloud paced Chicago with seven first-half points. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kamilla #Cardoso #leads #Skys #secondhalf #surge #Sun

#Deadspin #Kamilla #Cardoso #leads #Skys #secondhalf #surge #Sun">

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Jul 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) shoots a free throw against the Connecticut Sun during a second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Kamilla Cardoso scored 26 points and Sydney Taylor added 14 as the host Chicago Sky defeated the Connecticut Sun 94-88 on Thursday to stop a two-game skid.

Connecticut (7-22) outrebounded Chicago (10-18) 34-28 and had all five starters score in double figures. But it wasn’t enough to stop the Sky, who outscored the Sun 54-39 after halftime to hand them their fourth straight loss.

Aneesah Morrow remained on a tear for Connecticut. Two nights after scoring a career-best 21 points in a 92-84 loss at Washington, the second-year forward matched that total despite contributing just four points after halftime.

Olivia Nelson-Ododa posted a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Sun. Diamond Miller (14 points), Leila Lacan (12) and Charlisse Leger-Walker (10) followed.

Remaining steady after a strong start to the third quarter was the key for Chicago. After a Taylor trey brought the Sky within three at the 6:59 mark, Connecticut pushed the advantage back to 12 just over two minutes later after leading by 14 late in the first half.

Cardoso hit two free throws to give the Sky a 74-72 lead with 6:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. She split a pair to push the lead to seven points with 3:20 left. She went 10-for-11 from the foul line with a team-high six rebounds to help the Sky lead by 10 in the final minute.

Natasha Cloud scored 11 points for Chicago, and DiJonai Carrington contributed nine points in her team and season debut.

Carrington missed the first half of the season with a sprained left foot. Carrington hadn’t played since September, when she sustained the injury during the Minnesota Lynx’s playoff run.

Connecticut took a 49-40 lead into halftime. Long-range effectiveness helped the Sun create a cushion. They shot 4-for-8 from deep in the first 20 minutes compared to 2-for-14 for the Sky.

Morrow (17 points) and Nelson-Ododa (12) led all scorers at intermission. Cloud paced Chicago with seven first-half points.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kamilla #Cardoso #leads #Skys #secondhalf #surge #Sun">Deadspin | Kamilla Cardoso leads Sky’s second-half surge past Sun

Jul 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) shoots a free throw against the Connecticut Sun during a second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Kamilla Cardoso scored 26 points and Sydney Taylor added 14 as the host Chicago Sky defeated the Connecticut Sun 94-88 on Thursday to stop a two-game skid.

Connecticut (7-22) outrebounded Chicago (10-18) 34-28 and had all five starters score in double figures. But it wasn’t enough to stop the Sky, who outscored the Sun 54-39 after halftime to hand them their fourth straight loss.

Aneesah Morrow remained on a tear for Connecticut. Two nights after scoring a career-best 21 points in a 92-84 loss at Washington, the second-year forward matched that total despite contributing just four points after halftime.

Olivia Nelson-Ododa posted a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Sun. Diamond Miller (14 points), Leila Lacan (12) and Charlisse Leger-Walker (10) followed.

Remaining steady after a strong start to the third quarter was the key for Chicago. After a Taylor trey brought the Sky within three at the 6:59 mark, Connecticut pushed the advantage back to 12 just over two minutes later after leading by 14 late in the first half.

Cardoso hit two free throws to give the Sky a 74-72 lead with 6:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. She split a pair to push the lead to seven points with 3:20 left. She went 10-for-11 from the foul line with a team-high six rebounds to help the Sky lead by 10 in the final minute.

Natasha Cloud scored 11 points for Chicago, and DiJonai Carrington contributed nine points in her team and season debut.

Carrington missed the first half of the season with a sprained left foot. Carrington hadn’t played since September, when she sustained the injury during the Minnesota Lynx’s playoff run.

Connecticut took a 49-40 lead into halftime. Long-range effectiveness helped the Sun create a cushion. They shot 4-for-8 from deep in the first 20 minutes compared to 2-for-14 for the Sky.

Morrow (17 points) and Nelson-Ododa (12) led all scorers at intermission. Cloud paced Chicago with seven first-half points.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kamilla #Cardoso #leads #Skys #secondhalf #surge #Sun

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 21: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Los Angeles Sparks drives to the basket during the game against the New York Liberty on June 21, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Kelsey Plum’s two-season tenure with the Los Angeles Sparks is likely coming to an end, per LA Times reporter Marisa Ingemi. Ingemi reported that the Sparks will most likely trade Plum by Sunday’s midseason trade deadline, and that they’ve gotten interest from across the league.

Plum is in the midst of a historic offensive season, albeit an injury-riddled one. She’s averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists, while shooting 52.7% from the field. All of those numbers are career highs. She’s also shooting 38.3% from three, her highest mark since 2023. But she’s appeared in just 12 of 27 games as she’s dealt with an ankle and a lower leg injury. The Sparks are currently out of the playoff mix, holding a 10-17 record and losers of 6 straight games.

Plum signed a one-year, $999,999 contract ahead of the season, after being traded to LA from Las Vegas in a three-team trade that saw the Seattle Storm get the No. 2 pick (and Li Yueru), and Las Vegas acquire Jewell Loyd. While Plum has individually excelled since arriving in Los Angeles, the team missed out on the playoffs in Year 1 and appears on track to do so again.

#WNBA #AllStar #guard #traded #reports">

WNBA All-Star guard will likely be traded, per reports

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 21: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Los Angeles Sparks drives to the basket during the game against the New York Liberty on June 21, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Kelsey Plum’s two-season tenure with the Los Angeles Sparks is likely coming to an end, per LA Times reporter Marisa Ingemi. Ingemi reported that the Sparks will most likely trade Plum by Sunday’s midseason trade deadline, and that they’ve gotten interest from across the league.

Couple of league sources I spoke with this morning said it's "most likely" that the Sparks will trade Kelsey Plum by the Sunday trade deadline. They've gotten multiple calls from other WNBA teams and the plan is to move her.— Marisa Ingemi (@mingemi.bsky.social) 2026-07-29T15:03:09.279Z

Plum is in the midst of a historic offensive season, albeit an injury-riddled one. She’s averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists, while shooting 52.7% from the field. All of those numbers are career highs. She’s also shooting 38.3% from three, her highest mark since 2023. But she’s appeared in just 12 of 27 games as she’s dealt with an ankle and a lower leg injury. The Sparks are currently out of the playoff mix, holding a 10-17 record and losers of 6 straight games.

Plum signed a one-year, 9,999 contract ahead of the season, after being traded to LA from Las Vegas in a three-team trade that saw the Seattle Storm get the No. 2 pick (and Li Yueru), and Las Vegas acquire Jewell Loyd. While Plum has individually excelled since arriving in Los Angeles, the team missed out on the playoffs in Year 1 and appears on track to do so again. #WNBA #AllStar #guard #traded #reports

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LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 21: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Los Angeles Sparks drives to the basket during the game against the New York Liberty on June 21, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Kelsey Plum’s two-season tenure with the Los Angeles Sparks is likely coming to an end, per LA Times reporter Marisa Ingemi. Ingemi reported that the Sparks will most likely trade Plum by Sunday’s midseason trade deadline, and that they’ve gotten interest from across the league.

Couple of league sources I spoke with this morning said it's "most likely" that the Sparks will trade Kelsey Plum by the Sunday trade deadline. They've gotten multiple calls from other WNBA teams and the plan is to move her.
— Marisa Ingemi (@mingemi.bsky.social) 2026-07-29T15:03:09.279Z

Plum is in the midst of a historic offensive season, albeit an injury-riddled one. She’s averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists, while shooting 52.7% from the field. All of those numbers are career highs. She’s also shooting 38.3% from three, her highest mark since 2023. But she’s appeared in just 12 of 27 games as she’s dealt with an ankle and a lower leg injury. The Sparks are currently out of the playoff mix, holding a 10-17 record and losers of 6 straight games.

Plum signed a one-year, $999,999 contract ahead of the season, after being traded to LA from Las Vegas in a three-team trade that saw the Seattle Storm get the No. 2 pick (and Li Yueru), and Las Vegas acquire Jewell Loyd. While Plum has individually excelled since arriving in Los Angeles, the team missed out on the playoffs in Year 1 and appears on track to do so again.
#WNBA #AllStar #guard #traded #reports">WNBA All-Star guard will likely be traded, per reports

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 21: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Los Angeles Sparks drives to the basket during the game against the New York Liberty on June 21, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Kelsey Plum’s two-season tenure with the Los Angeles Sparks is likely coming to an end, per LA Times reporter Marisa Ingemi. Ingemi reported that the Sparks will most likely trade Plum by Sunday’s midseason trade deadline, and that they’ve gotten interest from across the league.

Couple of league sources I spoke with this morning said it's "most likely" that the Sparks will trade Kelsey Plum by the Sunday trade deadline. They've gotten multiple calls from other WNBA teams and the plan is to move her.
— Marisa Ingemi (@mingemi.bsky.social) 2026-07-29T15:03:09.279Z

Plum is in the midst of a historic offensive season, albeit an injury-riddled one. She’s averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists, while shooting 52.7% from the field. All of those numbers are career highs. She’s also shooting 38.3% from three, her highest mark since 2023. But she’s appeared in just 12 of 27 games as she’s dealt with an ankle and a lower leg injury. The Sparks are currently out of the playoff mix, holding a 10-17 record and losers of 6 straight games.

Plum signed a one-year, $999,999 contract ahead of the season, after being traded to LA from Las Vegas in a three-team trade that saw the Seattle Storm get the No. 2 pick (and Li Yueru), and Las Vegas acquire Jewell Loyd. While Plum has individually excelled since arriving in Los Angeles, the team missed out on the playoffs in Year 1 and appears on track to do so again.
#WNBA #AllStar #guard #traded #reports

Washington Open 2026: De Minaur beats teen Hewitt in all-Aussie clash Defending champion Alex de Minaur powered into the Washington Open quarterfinals with a clinical 6-2, 6-3 victory over fellow Australian Cruz Hewitt.Women’s top seed Jessica Pegula also advanced, rallying to beat Magdalena Frech 3-6, 6-3, 6-0 while men’s second seed Ben Shelton outlasted Ugo Humbert 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-4.Top-seeded De Minaur was always likely to prove too much for 17-year-old qualifier Hewitt – son of Aussie great Lleyton Hewitt – who had only captured his first ATP victory in Tuesday’s first round.The first set threatened to become a demolition as De Minaur raced to a 5-0 lead.ALSO READ | Djokovic to make return at Cincinnati MastersBut Hewitt found his feet, breaking back in the sixth game and holding serve before succumbing 6-2.Cheered on by a crowd that included his famous father, Hewitt started the second set brightly.But he was broken again on his second service game and could not reel in De Minaur, who warmly embraced the youngster at the net after taking the match.It was the first head-to-head ATP Tour match between the two, who have known each other for years.“It was definitely weird,” said De Minaur. “I knew I was going to play him on the tour someday, but I didn’t actually expect it to be this week.“It was an amazing feeling. Even all the lead up, seeing all the incredible pictures that we have together and how we’ve both grown up.“I’m glad I managed to get through, but I’m sure we’re going to have many battles in the years to come.”De Minaur next faces American Brandon Nakashima, who upset Czech seventh seed Jakub Mensik 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-4.US home hope Shelton advanced with a gritty victory over France’s Humbert. After handing Humbert the first set with a double fault on set point, Shelton dominated the second. Ben Shelton celebrates after beating Ugo Humbert of France.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

Ben Shelton celebrates after beating Ugo Humbert of France.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
But the third set was a tense affair and after seizing a break for a 5-4 lead Shelton had to fend off a break point before polishing off the match with a sharply angled serve that Humbert smacked into the net.“For me, it was all about heart tonight,” Shelton said after lining up a meeting with Chile’s Alejandro Tabile, a 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) winner over France’s Terence Atmane.Pegula also had to rally from a set down, saying she started her match against Poland’s Frech “just a little off” after a first-round bye.“I wasn’t quite attacking the ball, and I felt like once I did that, then everything else kind of started to click together,” said Pegula, who finished with 42 winners and won 12 of the last 15 games.Pegula next plays fifth-seeded Anna Kalinskaya, who saved two match points to beat Indonesia’s Janice Tjen 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (9/7).Published on Jul 31, 2026 #Washington #Open #Minaur #beats #teen #Hewitt #allAussie #clash — Ben Shelton celebrates after beating Ugo Humbert of France. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

#Washington #Open #Minaur #beats #teen #Hewitt #allAussie #clash">

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Defending champion Alex de Minaur powered into the Washington Open quarterfinals with a clinical 6-2, 6-3 victory over fellow Australian Cruz Hewitt.
Women’s top seed Jessica Pegula also advanced, rallying to beat Magdalena Frech 3-6, 6-3, 6-0 while men’s second seed Ben Shelton outlasted Ugo Humbert 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-4.
Top-seeded De Minaur was always likely to prove too much for 17-year-old qualifier Hewitt – son of Aussie great Lleyton Hewitt – who had only captured his first ATP victory in Tuesday’s first round.
The first set threatened to become a demolition as De Minaur raced to a 5-0 lead.
ALSO READ | Djokovic to make return at Cincinnati Masters
But Hewitt found his feet, breaking back in the sixth game and holding serve before succumbing 6-2.
Cheered on by a crowd that included his famous father, Hewitt started the second set brightly.
But he was broken again on his second service game and could not reel in De Minaur, who warmly embraced the youngster at the net after taking the match.
It was the first head-to-head ATP Tour match between the two, who have known each other for years.
“It was definitely weird,” said De Minaur. “I knew I was going to play him on the tour someday, but I didn’t actually expect it to be this week.
“It was an amazing feeling. Even all the lead up, seeing all the incredible pictures that we have together and how we’ve both grown up.
“I’m glad I managed to get through, but I’m sure we’re going to have many battles in the years to come.”
De Minaur next faces American Brandon Nakashima, who upset Czech seventh seed Jakub Mensik 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-4.
US home hope Shelton advanced with a gritty victory over France’s Humbert. After handing Humbert the first set with a double fault on set point, Shelton dominated the second.
Ben Shelton celebrates after beating Ugo Humbert of France. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
Ben Shelton celebrates after beating Ugo Humbert of France. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
But the third set was a tense affair and after seizing a break for a 5-4 lead Shelton had to fend off a break point before polishing off the match with a sharply angled serve that Humbert smacked into the net.
“For me, it was all about heart tonight,” Shelton said after lining up a meeting with Chile’s Alejandro Tabile, a 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) winner over France’s Terence Atmane.
Pegula also had to rally from a set down, saying she started her match against Poland’s Frech “just a little off” after a first-round bye.
“I wasn’t quite attacking the ball, and I felt like once I did that, then everything else kind of started to click together,” said Pegula, who finished with 42 winners and won 12 of the last 15 games.
Pegula next plays fifth-seeded Anna Kalinskaya, who saved two match points to beat Indonesia’s Janice Tjen 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (9/7).
Published on Jul 31, 2026

#Washington #Open #Minaur #beats #teen #Hewitt #allAussie #clash">Washington Open 2026: De Minaur beats teen Hewitt in all-Aussie clash

Defending champion Alex de Minaur powered into the Washington Open quarterfinals with a clinical 6-2, 6-3 victory over fellow Australian Cruz Hewitt.

Women’s top seed Jessica Pegula also advanced, rallying to beat Magdalena Frech 3-6, 6-3, 6-0 while men’s second seed Ben Shelton outlasted Ugo Humbert 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-4.

Top-seeded De Minaur was always likely to prove too much for 17-year-old qualifier Hewitt – son of Aussie great Lleyton Hewitt – who had only captured his first ATP victory in Tuesday’s first round.

The first set threatened to become a demolition as De Minaur raced to a 5-0 lead.

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But Hewitt found his feet, breaking back in the sixth game and holding serve before succumbing 6-2.

Cheered on by a crowd that included his famous father, Hewitt started the second set brightly.

But he was broken again on his second service game and could not reel in De Minaur, who warmly embraced the youngster at the net after taking the match.

It was the first head-to-head ATP Tour match between the two, who have known each other for years.

“It was definitely weird,” said De Minaur. “I knew I was going to play him on the tour someday, but I didn’t actually expect it to be this week.

“It was an amazing feeling. Even all the lead up, seeing all the incredible pictures that we have together and how we’ve both grown up.

“I’m glad I managed to get through, but I’m sure we’re going to have many battles in the years to come.”

De Minaur next faces American Brandon Nakashima, who upset Czech seventh seed Jakub Mensik 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-4.

US home hope Shelton advanced with a gritty victory over France’s Humbert. After handing Humbert the first set with a double fault on set point, Shelton dominated the second.

Ben Shelton celebrates after beating Ugo Humbert of France. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Ben Shelton celebrates after beating Ugo Humbert of France. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

But the third set was a tense affair and after seizing a break for a 5-4 lead Shelton had to fend off a break point before polishing off the match with a sharply angled serve that Humbert smacked into the net.

“For me, it was all about heart tonight,” Shelton said after lining up a meeting with Chile’s Alejandro Tabile, a 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) winner over France’s Terence Atmane.

Pegula also had to rally from a set down, saying she started her match against Poland’s Frech “just a little off” after a first-round bye.

“I wasn’t quite attacking the ball, and I felt like once I did that, then everything else kind of started to click together,” said Pegula, who finished with 42 winners and won 12 of the last 15 games.

Pegula next plays fifth-seeded Anna Kalinskaya, who saved two match points to beat Indonesia’s Janice Tjen 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (9/7).

Published on Jul 31, 2026

#Washington #Open #Minaur #beats #teen #Hewitt #allAussie #clash

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