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Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan says he turned down citizenship offer from India Afghanistan’s talismanic leg-spinner Rashid Khan was informally sounded out by not one but two countries, including India, with offers of citizenship and an opportunity to represent them, but the star cricketer declined, choosing instead to stay loyal to his homeland, a new book has revealed.In “Rashid Khan: From Streets to Stardom”, scheduled to release on Monday, the all-rounder tells author Mohammad Haand Jafar that both India and Australia extended such offers, which he declined.“I received such offers (citizenship and playing) from both Australia and India. But I told them, ‘If I don’t play for my country, I won’t play for any other country either,” Rashid is quoted as saying in the book.ALSO READ | Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test series: Sarfaraz named head coach; four uncapped players included in squadWhile he does not elaborate on the Australian offer, the 27-year-old cricketer recounts the Indian offer in detail from the 2023 Indian Premier League season.Rashid, currently playing in the IPL for Gujarat Titans, recalls being informed by his team official that a “high-ranking official from the Indian Cricket Board” wanted to meet him.“I went over and greeted him. We started talking, and he said: ‘The situation in your country (Afghanistan) is very bad. Come stay in India. We will give you Indian documents, live here, play cricket here’, “ Rashid said, narrating the instance in the book.“I was surprised by what he was saying and didn’t know how to respond. But I smiled and said, ‘Thank you very much. I am playing for my country, Afghanistan’,” he added.Published on Apr 19, 2026 #Afghanistans #Rashid #Khan #turned #citizenship #offer #India

Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan says he turned down citizenship offer from India

Afghanistan’s talismanic leg-spinner Rashid Khan was informally sounded out by not one but two countries, including India, with offers of citizenship and an opportunity to represent them, but the star cricketer declined, choosing instead to stay loyal to his homeland, a new book has revealed.

In “Rashid Khan: From Streets to Stardom”, scheduled to release on Monday, the all-rounder tells author Mohammad Haand Jafar that both India and Australia extended such offers, which he declined.

“I received such offers (citizenship and playing) from both Australia and India. But I told them, ‘If I don’t play for my country, I won’t play for any other country either,” Rashid is quoted as saying in the book.

ALSO READ | Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test series: Sarfaraz named head coach; four uncapped players included in squad

While he does not elaborate on the Australian offer, the 27-year-old cricketer recounts the Indian offer in detail from the 2023 Indian Premier League season.

Rashid, currently playing in the IPL for Gujarat Titans, recalls being informed by his team official that a “high-ranking official from the Indian Cricket Board” wanted to meet him.

“I went over and greeted him. We started talking, and he said: ‘The situation in your country (Afghanistan) is very bad. Come stay in India. We will give you Indian documents, live here, play cricket here’, “ Rashid said, narrating the instance in the book.

“I was surprised by what he was saying and didn’t know how to respond. But I smiled and said, ‘Thank you very much. I am playing for my country, Afghanistan’,” he added.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#Afghanistans #Rashid #Khan #turned #citizenship #offer #India

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Afghanistan’s talismanic leg-spinner Rashid Khan was informally sounded out by not one but two countries, including India, with offers of citizenship and an opportunity to represent them, but the star cricketer declined, choosing instead to stay loyal to his homeland, a new book has revealed.

In “Rashid Khan: From Streets to Stardom”, scheduled to release on Monday, the all-rounder tells author Mohammad Haand Jafar that both India and Australia extended such offers, which he declined.

“I received such offers (citizenship and playing) from both Australia and India. But I told them, ‘If I don’t play for my country, I won’t play for any other country either,” Rashid is quoted as saying in the book.

ALSO READ | Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test series: Sarfaraz named head coach; four uncapped players included in squad

While he does not elaborate on the Australian offer, the 27-year-old cricketer recounts the Indian offer in detail from the 2023 Indian Premier League season.

Rashid, currently playing in the IPL for Gujarat Titans, recalls being informed by his team official that a “high-ranking official from the Indian Cricket Board” wanted to meet him.

“I went over and greeted him. We started talking, and he said: ‘The situation in your country (Afghanistan) is very bad. Come stay in India. We will give you Indian documents, live here, play cricket here’, “ Rashid said, narrating the instance in the book.

“I was surprised by what he was saying and didn’t know how to respond. But I smiled and said, ‘Thank you very much. I am playing for my country, Afghanistan’,” he added.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

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Best Value Betting Picks Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776630744438" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776630744438" alt="Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson (WO40) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson (WO40) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>It’s hard to believe that the 2026 NFL Draft is already almost here. It’s the perfect time to cash in on some draft betting picks.</p><p>Over the last few months, countless <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/seven-round-2026-nfl-mock-draft-round-one" target="_blank">NFL mock drafters</a> have taken stabs at where these top prospects could be selected.</p><p>In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best value on the board, utilizing FanDuel Sportsbook odds. Remember, this doesn’t mean that we’re predicting these players will be drafted in these spots.</p><p>Rather, we’re going to try to cash in on some valuable plus money opportunities for the NFL Draft, an event that is always capable of a few surprises.</p><p><strong>No. 3 Overall: Francis Mauigoa (+650)</strong></p><p>The Arizona Cardinals have the No. 3 overall pick – and they have needs all over their roster.</p><p>David Bailey (+110) and Arvell Reese (+260) are the betting favorite to come off of the board in this spot. But what if the Cardinals want to hook up new offensive minded head coach Mike LaFleur with a player to help fix his offense?</p><p>That could lead the Cardinals to Mauigoa, who was a standout right tackle for the Miami Hurricanes. 31-year-old veteran Elijah Wilkinson is expected to start at right tackle for the Cardinals.</p><p>They’ll probably take an edge rusher. But if they don’t Mauigoa would be the play at +650.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p><br/><section id="section-3"> <p><strong>No. 6 Overall: Caleb Downs (+1200)</strong></p><p>The <a href="https://deadspin.com/cleveland-browns-need-to-move-on-from-deshaun-watson-era/" target="_blank">Cleveland Browns don’t need a defensive player</a>. But Browns general manager Andrew Berry continues to float the idea of the team trading down. It’s a safe bet to expect the Browns to try and trade back.</p><p>Who would be worth another organization deciding to trade up for? Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs, who should still be on the board if the New York Giants select his Buckeyes teammate, Sonny Styles, at No. 5 overall.</p><p>Obviously, a lot has to go right for this selection to cash. But Downs is one of the best players in the draft. If he’s still available outside of the top five selections, he won’t last much longer.</p> </section> <p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p><section id="section-5"> <p><strong>No. 10 Overall: Jordyn Tyson (+440)</strong></p><p>Tyson is the one player in this class that could cause a major shakeup inside the top 10 picks.</p><p>According to reports, 20 teams attended the Arizona State star’s private workout, where the consensus seemed that most teams were comfortable with his medical situation.</p><p>The Giants just acquired the No. 10 selection from the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Giants GM Joe Schoen had dinner with Tyson the night before the private workout.</p><p>If Tyson is still available at No. 10 overall, the Giants could load up on offense <a href="https://deadspin.com/jaxson-dart-shows-flashes-of-the-future-as-new-york-giants-turn-the-page/" target="_blank">for Jaxson Dart.</a></p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p> </div> #Betting #Picks #Ahead #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com

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Deadspin | Curtis Mead, Keibert Ruiz help Nationals tame Giants <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28767432.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28767432.jpg" alt="MLB: San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Curtis Mead (45) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Curtis Mead hit a two-run homer, Keibert Ruiz had two hits and the Nationals beat the San Francisco Giants 3-0 in Washington on Sunday to avoid a series sweep.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Andrew Alvarez (1-0), called up earlier in the day from Triple-A Rochester, pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings for the win, allowing three hits and striking out five without a walk.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>PJ Poulin opened for Washington and was replaced by Miles Mikolas with two outs and two on in the first. Mikolas, who began the day with an 11.49 ERA, pitched four scoreless innings while allowing four hits in his best outing of the young season.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Rafael Devers and Drew Gilbert had two hits each for the Giants, who had won three straight, but went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>San Francisco’s Robbie Ray (2-3) gave up three runs on seven hits over six innings. He struck out seven and walked one.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>The Giants put runner on first and second with two outs in each of the first two innings but did not score.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Nationals got an infield single and a walk to open the third inning but couldn’t cash in. Curtis Mead hit a blooper to shallow left field that dropped, but Keibert Ruiz briefly broke back towards second and was thrown out at third. Brady House flied to the warning track in center and CJ Abrams flied out.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Washington took a 3-0 lead in the fifth. Nasim Nunez reached on a bunt single and stole second. Ruiz hit shot to left center and Heliot Ramas made a diving effort but couldn’t come up with it. Nunez scored and Mead lined the first pitch he saw from Ray out to left for a two-run homer.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The first two Giants reached base in the eighth inning on an error and a single, but Casey Schmitt grounded into a double play and pinch hitter Jerar Encarnacion struck out.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Curtis #Mead #Keibert #Ruiz #Nationals #tame #Giants

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Deadspin | Transfer portal roundup: Kentucky adds Furman transfer Alex Wilkins Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Furman Paladins guard Alex Wilkins (10) dribbles the ball against the UConn Huskies in the second half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Former Furman guard Alex Wilkins has transferred to Kentucky. His move was one of the biggest on a busy transfer portal weekend. Wilkins excelled in his freshman season with the Paladins, averaging 17.8 points, 4.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 35 games (all starts). Listed at 6-foot-5, Wilkins showed his skills to a national audience in Furman’s lone game of the NCAA Tournament. He made four 3-pointers and scored 21 points in the Paladins’ 82-71 loss to eventual national championship runner-up UConn in the first round. –Ex-Belmont forward Drew Scharnowski announced his transfer to Duke. In his recently completed sophomore season at Belmont, the 6-9 Scharnowski averaged 10.7 points. 6.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists over 21.9 minutes per game. He shot 68.1% in 30 games (24 starts). He takes the roster spot of forward Nikolas Khamenia, who transferred to UConn on Saturday. –Florida State gained the commitment of 6-11 forward Sebastian Rancik, who heads to Tallahassee after two seasons at Colorado. A native of Slovakia, he attended high school in Southern California, where he was ranked as a four-star prospect in the 2024 class. In 29 games (26 starts) with the Buffaloes as a sophomore, he averaged 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Transfer #portal #roundup #Kentucky #adds #Furman #transfer #Alex #WilkinsMar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Furman Paladins guard Alex Wilkins (10) dribbles the ball against the UConn Huskies in the second half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Former Furman guard Alex Wilkins has transferred to Kentucky.

His move was one of the biggest on a busy transfer portal weekend.

Wilkins excelled in his freshman season with the Paladins, averaging 17.8 points, 4.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 35 games (all starts).

Listed at 6-foot-5, Wilkins showed his skills to a national audience in Furman’s lone game of the NCAA Tournament. He made four 3-pointers and scored 21 points in the Paladins’ 82-71 loss to eventual national championship runner-up UConn in the first round.

–Ex-Belmont forward Drew Scharnowski announced his transfer to Duke.


In his recently completed sophomore season at Belmont, the 6-9 Scharnowski averaged 10.7 points. 6.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists over 21.9 minutes per game. He shot 68.1% in 30 games (24 starts).

He takes the roster spot of forward Nikolas Khamenia, who transferred to UConn on Saturday.

–Florida State gained the commitment of 6-11 forward Sebastian Rancik, who heads to Tallahassee after two seasons at Colorado.

A native of Slovakia, he attended high school in Southern California, where he was ranked as a four-star prospect in the 2024 class.

In 29 games (26 starts) with the Buffaloes as a sophomore, he averaged 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Transfer #portal #roundup #Kentucky #adds #Furman #transfer #Alex #Wilkins">Deadspin | Transfer portal roundup: Kentucky adds Furman transfer Alex Wilkins Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Furman Paladins guard Alex Wilkins (10) dribbles the ball against the UConn Huskies in the second half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Former Furman guard Alex Wilkins has transferred to Kentucky. His move was one of the biggest on a busy transfer portal weekend. Wilkins excelled in his freshman season with the Paladins, averaging 17.8 points, 4.7 assists and 2.0 rebounds in 35 games (all starts). Listed at 6-foot-5, Wilkins showed his skills to a national audience in Furman’s lone game of the NCAA Tournament. He made four 3-pointers and scored 21 points in the Paladins’ 82-71 loss to eventual national championship runner-up UConn in the first round. –Ex-Belmont forward Drew Scharnowski announced his transfer to Duke. In his recently completed sophomore season at Belmont, the 6-9 Scharnowski averaged 10.7 points. 6.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists over 21.9 minutes per game. He shot 68.1% in 30 games (24 starts). He takes the roster spot of forward Nikolas Khamenia, who transferred to UConn on Saturday. –Florida State gained the commitment of 6-11 forward Sebastian Rancik, who heads to Tallahassee after two seasons at Colorado. A native of Slovakia, he attended high school in Southern California, where he was ranked as a four-star prospect in the 2024 class. In 29 games (26 starts) with the Buffaloes as a sophomore, he averaged 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Transfer #portal #roundup #Kentucky #adds #Furman #transfer #Alex #Wilkins

Deadspin | Astros place OF Joey Loperfido (quad) on injured list Apr 11, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Joey Loperfido (10) is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring a run during the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images The Houston Astros placed outfielder Joey Loperfido on the injured list with a right quad strain on Sunday and recalled right-hander Jayden Murray from Triple-A Sugar Land. Loperfido, 26, was batting .259 with six RBIs in 20 games this season. He started at least one game in all three outfield positions. Traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024 and then re-acquired via trade in February, Loperfido is a career .249 major league hitter with eight home runs and 45 RBIs in 142 games over three seasons. Murray, 29, had one appearance earlier this season and has a 2.63 ERA in 10 games over the past two seasons for the Astros. His addition increases Houston’s staff to 13 pitchers. Also on Sunday, the Astros traded minor league right-hander Wilmy Sanchez to the New York Yankees for infielder Braden Shewmake, a former first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2019. In 31 major league games for the Braves and Chicago White Sox, Shewmake, 28, is batting .118 with a home run and four RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Astros #place #Joey #Loperfido #quad #injured #listApr 11, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Joey Loperfido (10) is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring a run during the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

The Houston Astros placed outfielder Joey Loperfido on the injured list with a right quad strain on Sunday and recalled right-hander Jayden Murray from Triple-A Sugar Land.

Loperfido, 26, was batting .259 with six RBIs in 20 games this season. He started at least one game in all three outfield positions.

Traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024 and then re-acquired via trade in February, Loperfido is a career .249 major league hitter with eight home runs and 45 RBIs in 142 games over three seasons.


Murray, 29, had one appearance earlier this season and has a 2.63 ERA in 10 games over the past two seasons for the Astros. His addition increases Houston’s staff to 13 pitchers.

Also on Sunday, the Astros traded minor league right-hander Wilmy Sanchez to the New York Yankees for infielder Braden Shewmake, a former first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2019.

In 31 major league games for the Braves and Chicago White Sox, Shewmake, 28, is batting .118 with a home run and four RBIs.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Astros #place #Joey #Loperfido #quad #injured #list">Deadspin | Astros place OF Joey Loperfido (quad) on injured list Apr 11, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Joey Loperfido (10) is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring a run during the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images The Houston Astros placed outfielder Joey Loperfido on the injured list with a right quad strain on Sunday and recalled right-hander Jayden Murray from Triple-A Sugar Land. Loperfido, 26, was batting .259 with six RBIs in 20 games this season. He started at least one game in all three outfield positions. Traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024 and then re-acquired via trade in February, Loperfido is a career .249 major league hitter with eight home runs and 45 RBIs in 142 games over three seasons. Murray, 29, had one appearance earlier this season and has a 2.63 ERA in 10 games over the past two seasons for the Astros. His addition increases Houston’s staff to 13 pitchers. Also on Sunday, the Astros traded minor league right-hander Wilmy Sanchez to the New York Yankees for infielder Braden Shewmake, a former first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2019. In 31 major league games for the Braves and Chicago White Sox, Shewmake, 28, is batting .118 with a home run and four RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Astros #place #Joey #Loperfido #quad #injured #list

Deadspin | WTA roundup: Elena Rybakina wins at Stuttgart for second time Aug 31, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in action against Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic in the fourth round of the women’s singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images Second-seeded Elena Rybakina won 25 of her 32 first-serve points (78.1%) and needed just 78 minutes on Sunday to post a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Karolina Muchova to win the championship match of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany. Rybakina, of Kazakhstan, had three aces while winning her 13th career title and second in Stuttgart. She also won the event in 2024. This victory marks the first time she has won multiple titles at a tournament. The Czech Republic’s Muchova, the No. 7 seed, was much less efficient on her first serves, winning just 52.3% (23 of 44). She saved four of eight break points. Muchova trailed 5-2 in the first set before winning three straight games to knot the match. But Rybakina won the final two games and then sailed through the second set to win her fifth clay court title. Rouen Metropolitan Open Top-seeded Marta Kostyuk hit 34 winners against 23 unforced errors while claiming a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Veronika Podrez in the first all-Ukrainian WTA final at Rouen, France. Kostyuk converted 6 of 9 break points against the 19-year-old Podrez to win her second singles title. Podrez, a qualifier, was playing in her first final. “This match today was not just a match,” Kostyuk said during the trophy presentation. “It was a historical moment for Ukrainian tennis. First time two Ukrainians playing in the final. I know how much work, sacrifice, tears and sweat goes into this sport and to be able to be on this stage. So I’m incredibly proud of Ukrainian tennis right now.” Podrez had just one ace while committing seven double faults. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #WTA #roundup #Elena #Rybakina #wins #Stuttgart #timeAug 31, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in action against Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic in the fourth round of the women’s singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Second-seeded Elena Rybakina won 25 of her 32 first-serve points (78.1%) and needed just 78 minutes on Sunday to post a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Karolina Muchova to win the championship match of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany.

Rybakina, of Kazakhstan, had three aces while winning her 13th career title and second in Stuttgart. She also won the event in 2024. This victory marks the first time she has won multiple titles at a tournament.

The Czech Republic’s Muchova, the No. 7 seed, was much less efficient on her first serves, winning just 52.3% (23 of 44). She saved four of eight break points.

Muchova trailed 5-2 in the first set before winning three straight games to knot the match. But Rybakina won the final two games and then sailed through the second set to win her fifth clay court title.


Rouen Metropolitan Open

Top-seeded Marta Kostyuk hit 34 winners against 23 unforced errors while claiming a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Veronika Podrez in the first all-Ukrainian WTA final at Rouen, France.

Kostyuk converted 6 of 9 break points against the 19-year-old Podrez to win her second singles title. Podrez, a qualifier, was playing in her first final.

“This match today was not just a match,” Kostyuk said during the trophy presentation. “It was a historical moment for Ukrainian tennis. First time two Ukrainians playing in the final. I know how much work, sacrifice, tears and sweat goes into this sport and to be able to be on this stage. So I’m incredibly proud of Ukrainian tennis right now.”

Podrez had just one ace while committing seven double faults.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #WTA #roundup #Elena #Rybakina #wins #Stuttgart #time">Deadspin | WTA roundup: Elena Rybakina wins at Stuttgart for second time Aug 31, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in action against Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic in the fourth round of the women’s singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images Second-seeded Elena Rybakina won 25 of her 32 first-serve points (78.1%) and needed just 78 minutes on Sunday to post a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Karolina Muchova to win the championship match of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany. Rybakina, of Kazakhstan, had three aces while winning her 13th career title and second in Stuttgart. She also won the event in 2024. This victory marks the first time she has won multiple titles at a tournament. The Czech Republic’s Muchova, the No. 7 seed, was much less efficient on her first serves, winning just 52.3% (23 of 44). She saved four of eight break points. Muchova trailed 5-2 in the first set before winning three straight games to knot the match. But Rybakina won the final two games and then sailed through the second set to win her fifth clay court title. Rouen Metropolitan Open Top-seeded Marta Kostyuk hit 34 winners against 23 unforced errors while claiming a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Veronika Podrez in the first all-Ukrainian WTA final at Rouen, France. Kostyuk converted 6 of 9 break points against the 19-year-old Podrez to win her second singles title. Podrez, a qualifier, was playing in her first final. “This match today was not just a match,” Kostyuk said during the trophy presentation. “It was a historical moment for Ukrainian tennis. First time two Ukrainians playing in the final. I know how much work, sacrifice, tears and sweat goes into this sport and to be able to be on this stage. So I’m incredibly proud of Ukrainian tennis right now.” Podrez had just one ace while committing seven double faults. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #WTA #roundup #Elena #Rybakina #wins #Stuttgart #time

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