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The NFL’s new class of QBs is already knocking out its old stars

The NFL’s new class of QBs is already knocking out its old stars

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Quarterbacks are to the NFL what a duck bill is to a duck. Without them, even if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, is it even a duck?

I am in the tippy-tippy top of quarterback-obsessed NFL writers — if you do not have a quarterback I do not respect, I do not respect your team. I watch too much football each week to think you can get away with a mid-to-terrible QB; this season, I’ve written diatribes about how Drake Maye being good is the single thing that makes the Patriots watchable, about how Matthew Stafford being so much better than Jared Goff invalidates the trade for the Lions. Wins are totally a quarterback stat, and so are losses.

The NFL agrees. Teams draft quarterbacks so often, you’d think they were addicted. When you have a chance to acquire a good one, you trade the farm, the farmhouse, all your chickens, ducks, and maybe even the family cow.

The league just went through a massive quarterback transition. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan, and Phillip Rivers (though, I guess he’s back despite being a literal grandfather) were all the leaders of their age. Some hangers-on include Aaron Rodgers and Stafford, but the new age arrived in earnest a few years back. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow — all big-time replacements. You could even throw Dak Prescott in there as a bridge between eras.

But now… are we already shifting things up again? The best teams in the league are captained not by that group but by an even newer cohort: Drake Maye, Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, Jordan Love, C.J…. Stroud? Trevor Lawrence?! Bryce Young?!!?

Every single one of those quarterbacks I just listed has a better record this season than Mahomes, Jackson, and Burrow (though he has been injured), while Allen remains 9-4 but two full games behind Maye and the Patriots in his own division. And these teams aren’t winning despite their QBs — all those guys are making serious plays in serious spots. Bryce Young straight up beat the Los Angeles Rams two weeks ago, while Maye and Nix haven’t collectively lost in a million years. Lawrence and Stroud, who were terrible to start the year, are now in pole position and are a huge reason Mahomes and the Chiefs are basically cooked.

So we have two options here: either this is an aberration that we shouldn’t take too much stock in, or the era of Mahomes-domination is completely over, and the Bills and the Ravens are going to have a lot more trouble locking in 13 wins every year on their way to the divisional round. To answer that question, I’m going to bring up the guy that I’m sure someone from the greater Philadelphia area was screaming about a few paragraphs ago.

Conspicuously absent from either list, past, present, or future, is the reigning Super Bowl MVP that I think explains our situation perfectly: Jalen Hurts. He has become the single most polarizing player in the NFL this year; the Eagles won the dang Super Bowl last year and are going to make the playoffs easily this year, but the vibes could not be worse. Hurts has been awful, refusing to throw over the middle and having some Tua Tagovailoa-esque body language where if he scrambles out of the pocket the play is over. His receivers look dejected, the fans are losing it, and nobody can credibly say he is a top-tier quarterback anymore.

But he won the Super Bowl!! None of the guys I am mentioning as “next” can say that, nor can Allen or Burrow or Jackson. It just looks so bad right now that we are all forgetting the success that he use to have. It reminds me of Ben Simmons in the NBA — he has been such a disaster since 2021 that people forget early career Ben Simmons was like… LeBron James. Hurts was a special player for a little bit there, but now I don’t know what I’m looking at.

Hurts was “next,” and then he was “now,” and now it’s “over.” If it’s “over” for the rest of those guys (which I can’t responsibly say it is), it would be a real departure from the history of good quarterbacks. Mahomes was in GOAT conversations, and now he’s just going to miss the playoffs? Pretty sweet 7-year run there man. You other three, this better not be a 5-year flash in the pan where you just lost to Mahomes for half a decade and called it a career.

Quarterbacking in the last 25 years was an institution. On the career passing yards list, every good QB I listed in the “past” category is on there; putting up season after season because the distance between them and everyone else was staggering. But the position has changed, and maybe become more transient. It’s more physical, more demanding. Defenses are better, you have to run more. Maybe QBs in the modern era won’t have the shelf life of the pure pocket passers of yesteryear, leading to far more rapid era transitions.

I don’t necessarily think this class of QBs dominating the older guys is sustainable. But the ability for Bryce Young to have a better season than Patrick Mahomes is staggering, and lends itself to the chaos the league has embraced. The NFL is literally a zero-sum game, and so the rise of the new guys has battered the old ones. This year, at the very least, has been a new class of quarterbacks. Whether or not it becomes a new age will be up to them and their forbearers.

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Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, said on Friday she was facing a doping investigation after failing to submit a sample during a check last December.

The world number 46 risks up to a four-year ban from tennis for refusing to let in a doping control officer ringing the bell at her Prague home.

But she said the check was not standard as the officer from a German agency failed to identify herself.

“The recent doping control incident happened because I reached a breaking point after months of physical and mental stress,” the 26-year-old injury-prone Czech said on Instagram.

She told the Sport daily that it “was stressful to see someone I didn’t know asking to enter my living room without showing authorisation”.

“At the moment I was thinking this could be anyone,” she added, explaining why she refused to let the officer in.

ALSO READ | Stuttgart Open 2026: Rybakina, Gauff cruise into quarterfinals

Vondrousova said she had dealt with injury, pressure and “ongoing sleep issues that left me feeling exhausted and fragile” for some time.

She also mentioned the case of her compatriot and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who suffered a career-threatening injury to her hand when she opened the door to a knife-wielding stranger in 2016.

Kvitova took five months to recover from cuts to her left hand. The perpetrator was sentenced to 11 years in jail for serious battery and illegal entry into the player’s flat.

“When someone rang my door late at night without properly identifying themselves or following protocol, I reacted as a person who felt scared,” Vondrousova said on Instagram.

“In that moment, it was about feeling safe… after what happened to Petra, we don’t take strangers at our door lightly.”

Vondrousova’s lawyer Jan Exner told AFP that “the doping control was simply not standard and therefore Marketa had a reason not to submit the sample”.

“You simply face pressure, you even get death threats for ruining someone’s bet slip. So the non-standard doping check sparked an acute stress reaction in Marketa which experts — both Czech and international — have confirmed,” he added.

Exner said he would try to convince the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that this was a valid reason for Vondrousova to decline to submit the sample.

“The proceedings are under way. There will either be a hearing or we will try to agree with the international bodies. We should know more by the summer.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Vondrousova #risks #fouryear #ban #shutting #door #doping #officer">Vondrousova risks four-year ban for shutting door on doping officer Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, said on Friday she was facing a doping investigation after failing to submit a sample during a check last December.The world number 46 risks up to a four-year ban from tennis for refusing to let in a doping control officer ringing the bell at her Prague home.But she said the check was not standard as the officer from a German agency failed to identify herself.“The recent doping control incident happened because I reached a breaking point after months of physical and mental stress,” the 26-year-old injury-prone Czech said on Instagram.She told the Sport daily that it “was stressful to see someone I didn’t know asking to enter my living room without showing authorisation”.“At the moment I was thinking this could be anyone,” she added, explaining why she refused to let the officer in.ALSO READ | Stuttgart Open 2026: Rybakina, Gauff cruise into quarterfinalsVondrousova said she had dealt with injury, pressure and “ongoing sleep issues that left me feeling exhausted and fragile” for some time.She also mentioned the case of her compatriot and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who suffered a career-threatening injury to her hand when she opened the door to a knife-wielding stranger in 2016.Kvitova took five months to recover from cuts to her left hand. The perpetrator was sentenced to 11 years in jail for serious battery and illegal entry into the player’s flat.“When someone rang my door late at night without properly identifying themselves or following protocol, I reacted as a person who felt scared,” Vondrousova said on Instagram.“In that moment, it was about feeling safe… after what happened to Petra, we don’t take strangers at our door lightly.”Vondrousova’s lawyer Jan Exner told AFP that “the doping control was simply not standard and therefore Marketa had a reason not to submit the sample”.“You simply face pressure, you even get death threats for ruining someone’s bet slip. So the non-standard doping check sparked an acute stress reaction in Marketa which experts — both Czech and international — have confirmed,” he added.Exner said he would try to convince the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that this was a valid reason for Vondrousova to decline to submit the sample.“The proceedings are under way. There will either be a hearing or we will try to agree with the international bodies. We should know more by the summer.”Published on Apr 17, 2026 #Vondrousova #risks #fouryear #ban #shutting #door #doping #officer

Stuttgart Open 2026: Rybakina, Gauff cruise into quarterfinals

Vondrousova said she had dealt with injury, pressure and “ongoing sleep issues that left me feeling exhausted and fragile” for some time.

She also mentioned the case of her compatriot and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who suffered a career-threatening injury to her hand when she opened the door to a knife-wielding stranger in 2016.

Kvitova took five months to recover from cuts to her left hand. The perpetrator was sentenced to 11 years in jail for serious battery and illegal entry into the player’s flat.

“When someone rang my door late at night without properly identifying themselves or following protocol, I reacted as a person who felt scared,” Vondrousova said on Instagram.

“In that moment, it was about feeling safe… after what happened to Petra, we don’t take strangers at our door lightly.”

Vondrousova’s lawyer Jan Exner told AFP that “the doping control was simply not standard and therefore Marketa had a reason not to submit the sample”.

“You simply face pressure, you even get death threats for ruining someone’s bet slip. So the non-standard doping check sparked an acute stress reaction in Marketa which experts — both Czech and international — have confirmed,” he added.

Exner said he would try to convince the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that this was a valid reason for Vondrousova to decline to submit the sample.

“The proceedings are under way. There will either be a hearing or we will try to agree with the international bodies. We should know more by the summer.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Vondrousova #risks #fouryear #ban #shutting #door #doping #officer">Vondrousova risks four-year ban for shutting door on doping officer

Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, said on Friday she was facing a doping investigation after failing to submit a sample during a check last December.

The world number 46 risks up to a four-year ban from tennis for refusing to let in a doping control officer ringing the bell at her Prague home.

But she said the check was not standard as the officer from a German agency failed to identify herself.

“The recent doping control incident happened because I reached a breaking point after months of physical and mental stress,” the 26-year-old injury-prone Czech said on Instagram.

She told the Sport daily that it “was stressful to see someone I didn’t know asking to enter my living room without showing authorisation”.

“At the moment I was thinking this could be anyone,” she added, explaining why she refused to let the officer in.

ALSO READ | Stuttgart Open 2026: Rybakina, Gauff cruise into quarterfinals

Vondrousova said she had dealt with injury, pressure and “ongoing sleep issues that left me feeling exhausted and fragile” for some time.

She also mentioned the case of her compatriot and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who suffered a career-threatening injury to her hand when she opened the door to a knife-wielding stranger in 2016.

Kvitova took five months to recover from cuts to her left hand. The perpetrator was sentenced to 11 years in jail for serious battery and illegal entry into the player’s flat.

“When someone rang my door late at night without properly identifying themselves or following protocol, I reacted as a person who felt scared,” Vondrousova said on Instagram.

“In that moment, it was about feeling safe… after what happened to Petra, we don’t take strangers at our door lightly.”

Vondrousova’s lawyer Jan Exner told AFP that “the doping control was simply not standard and therefore Marketa had a reason not to submit the sample”.

“You simply face pressure, you even get death threats for ruining someone’s bet slip. So the non-standard doping check sparked an acute stress reaction in Marketa which experts — both Czech and international — have confirmed,” he added.

Exner said he would try to convince the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that this was a valid reason for Vondrousova to decline to submit the sample.

“The proceedings are under way. There will either be a hearing or we will try to agree with the international bodies. We should know more by the summer.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Vondrousova #risks #fouryear #ban #shutting #door #doping #officer
Deadspin | Red-hot Padres strive to subdue Mike Trout, Angels Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images The San Diego Padres will take the majors’ longest winning streak into Anaheim, Calif., on Friday night when they open a three-game series against hot-hitting Mike Trout, major league ERA leader Jose Soriano and the Los Angeles Angels. The Padres extended their winning streak to eight games with a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday before departing on the short trip north up Interstate 5. San Diego’s Mason Miller struck out the side in the ninth inning to record his sixth save of the season, throwing three fastballs that were clocked over 102 mph. He extended his scoreless innings streak to 30 2/3, three frames shy of Cla Meredith’s franchise record set in 2006. Miller has struck out 23 in 9 1/3 innings this season and has allowed just one hit, a line-drive single to San Francisco’s Luis Arraez on April 1. Miller hasn’t given up a run since Aug. 5. The Padres have reversed course since a 1-4 start. “Not the start we wanted necessarily, but we know the group we have, and we’re playing at a high level right now,” Miller said. Right-hander Matt Waldron (0-1, 7.71 ERA in 2025) will be activated from the injured list and get the start in Friday’s opener. He is taking over the spot in the rotation of Nick Pivetta, who went on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow. Waldron began the season at Triple-A El Paso on a rehab assignment after undergoing surgery in late February for severe hemorrhoids. The veteran knuckleballer didn’t give up a run in three starts (12 innings) for the Chihuahuas, allowing seven hits and a walk while striking out 12. Waldron is 0-0 with a 1.42 ERA in one career start against the Angels. On Friday, he will oppose Soriano (4-0, 0.33 ERA), who has allowed nine hits and nine walks while striking out 31 in 27 innings this season. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against San Diego. Los Angeles went 4-3 on a seven-game eastern trip that concluded with a split of four games against the New York Yankees, It was a record-setting series for Trout, who became the first opposing player to hit five homers against the Yankees in a series in the Bronx. He also became the first visiting player to homer in four consecutive games at Yankee Stadium. “It means a lot to me,” Trout said. “There’s been a lot of great players that obviously played here. It’s awesome.” “He’s been unbelievable,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said of the three-time American League MVP, who has seven homers, 16 RBIs and a .246 batting average this season. The Angels easily could have swept the series, giving up three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning in a wild 11-10 loss in Monday’s opener. They lost 5-4 on Wednesday following a botched infield popup that opened the door for Jose Caballero’s eventual walk-off two-run double. Los Angeles hit 13 home runs in the series with New York, including a grand slam by Jo Adell off reliever Ryan Yarbrough in the eighth inning of Thursday’s 11-4 victory. “Fun series. Obviously lost a couple tough ones, but glad we got that bounce-back from last night after that tough ninth inning,” Trout said. “We took ownership of it, and we turned the page. Just turn the page and keep fighting. We have a great mindset in there, we’re close in there, and we’re just going to keep pushing and take it one game at a time.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Redhot #Padres #strive #subdue #Mike #Trout #AngelsApr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres will take the majors’ longest winning streak into Anaheim, Calif., on Friday night when they open a three-game series against hot-hitting Mike Trout, major league ERA leader Jose Soriano and the Los Angeles Angels.

The Padres extended their winning streak to eight games with a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday before departing on the short trip north up Interstate 5.

San Diego’s Mason Miller struck out the side in the ninth inning to record his sixth save of the season, throwing three fastballs that were clocked over 102 mph. He extended his scoreless innings streak to 30 2/3, three frames shy of Cla Meredith’s franchise record set in 2006.

Miller has struck out 23 in 9 1/3 innings this season and has allowed just one hit, a line-drive single to San Francisco’s Luis Arraez on April 1. Miller hasn’t given up a run since Aug. 5.

The Padres have reversed course since a 1-4 start.

“Not the start we wanted necessarily, but we know the group we have, and we’re playing at a high level right now,” Miller said.

Right-hander Matt Waldron (0-1, 7.71 ERA in 2025) will be activated from the injured list and get the start in Friday’s opener. He is taking over the spot in the rotation of Nick Pivetta, who went on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow.

Waldron began the season at Triple-A El Paso on a rehab assignment after undergoing surgery in late February for severe hemorrhoids. The veteran knuckleballer didn’t give up a run in three starts (12 innings) for the Chihuahuas, allowing seven hits and a walk while striking out 12.


Waldron is 0-0 with a 1.42 ERA in one career start against the Angels. On Friday, he will oppose Soriano (4-0, 0.33 ERA), who has allowed nine hits and nine walks while striking out 31 in 27 innings this season. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against San Diego.

Los Angeles went 4-3 on a seven-game eastern trip that concluded with a split of four games against the New York Yankees,

It was a record-setting series for Trout, who became the first opposing player to hit five homers against the Yankees in a series in the Bronx. He also became the first visiting player to homer in four consecutive games at Yankee Stadium.

“It means a lot to me,” Trout said. “There’s been a lot of great players that obviously played here. It’s awesome.”

“He’s been unbelievable,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said of the three-time American League MVP, who has seven homers, 16 RBIs and a .246 batting average this season.

The Angels easily could have swept the series, giving up three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning in a wild 11-10 loss in Monday’s opener. They lost 5-4 on Wednesday following a botched infield popup that opened the door for Jose Caballero’s eventual walk-off two-run double.

Los Angeles hit 13 home runs in the series with New York, including a grand slam by Jo Adell off reliever Ryan Yarbrough in the eighth inning of Thursday’s 11-4 victory.

“Fun series. Obviously lost a couple tough ones, but glad we got that bounce-back from last night after that tough ninth inning,” Trout said. “We took ownership of it, and we turned the page. Just turn the page and keep fighting. We have a great mindset in there, we’re close in there, and we’re just going to keep pushing and take it one game at a time.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Redhot #Padres #strive #subdue #Mike #Trout #Angels">Deadspin | Red-hot Padres strive to subdue Mike Trout, Angels Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller (22) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images The San Diego Padres will take the majors’ longest winning streak into Anaheim, Calif., on Friday night when they open a three-game series against hot-hitting Mike Trout, major league ERA leader Jose Soriano and the Los Angeles Angels. The Padres extended their winning streak to eight games with a 5-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday before departing on the short trip north up Interstate 5. San Diego’s Mason Miller struck out the side in the ninth inning to record his sixth save of the season, throwing three fastballs that were clocked over 102 mph. He extended his scoreless innings streak to 30 2/3, three frames shy of Cla Meredith’s franchise record set in 2006. Miller has struck out 23 in 9 1/3 innings this season and has allowed just one hit, a line-drive single to San Francisco’s Luis Arraez on April 1. Miller hasn’t given up a run since Aug. 5. The Padres have reversed course since a 1-4 start. “Not the start we wanted necessarily, but we know the group we have, and we’re playing at a high level right now,” Miller said. Right-hander Matt Waldron (0-1, 7.71 ERA in 2025) will be activated from the injured list and get the start in Friday’s opener. He is taking over the spot in the rotation of Nick Pivetta, who went on the injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow. Waldron began the season at Triple-A El Paso on a rehab assignment after undergoing surgery in late February for severe hemorrhoids. The veteran knuckleballer didn’t give up a run in three starts (12 innings) for the Chihuahuas, allowing seven hits and a walk while striking out 12. Waldron is 0-0 with a 1.42 ERA in one career start against the Angels. On Friday, he will oppose Soriano (4-0, 0.33 ERA), who has allowed nine hits and nine walks while striking out 31 in 27 innings this season. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three career appearances (two starts) against San Diego. Los Angeles went 4-3 on a seven-game eastern trip that concluded with a split of four games against the New York Yankees, It was a record-setting series for Trout, who became the first opposing player to hit five homers against the Yankees in a series in the Bronx. He also became the first visiting player to homer in four consecutive games at Yankee Stadium. “It means a lot to me,” Trout said. “There’s been a lot of great players that obviously played here. It’s awesome.” “He’s been unbelievable,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said of the three-time American League MVP, who has seven homers, 16 RBIs and a .246 batting average this season. The Angels easily could have swept the series, giving up three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning in a wild 11-10 loss in Monday’s opener. They lost 5-4 on Wednesday following a botched infield popup that opened the door for Jose Caballero’s eventual walk-off two-run double. Los Angeles hit 13 home runs in the series with New York, including a grand slam by Jo Adell off reliever Ryan Yarbrough in the eighth inning of Thursday’s 11-4 victory. “Fun series. Obviously lost a couple tough ones, but glad we got that bounce-back from last night after that tough ninth inning,” Trout said. “We took ownership of it, and we turned the page. Just turn the page and keep fighting. We have a great mindset in there, we’re close in there, and we’re just going to keep pushing and take it one game at a time.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Redhot #Padres #strive #subdue #Mike #Trout #Angels

Karolina Muchova broke through for a first win over Coco Gauff on Friday, eliminating the French Open champion in three sets in the quarterfinal in Stuttgart.

Muchova had never beaten world number three Gauff in six matches, including a loss in the fourth round of this year’s Australian Open, but prevailed 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to reach the Stuttgart semifinal for the first time.

The 12th-ranked Muchova will face Elina Svitolina for a place in the final.

After ensuring Gauff exited the tournament in the quarterfinal for the third straight year, Muchova said she tried not to let the daunting record impact her preparation.

“It was a great fight. I’m just happy that I finally, finally beat her,” Muchova said.

“This was actually our first match on a clay court. On clay we were 0-0 in the matches — I tried to keep it positive.”

ALSO READ | Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Madrid Open 2026

Earlier on Friday, fourth seed Svitolina moved past Czech Linda Noskova 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 to book her final four spot.

The in-form Ukrainian has now reached five semifinals this season.

Svitolina told reporters she had re-discovered her fighting spirit after a difficult 2025.

“I had a really difficult end of last year, struggling a bit mentally,” Svitolina said. “I think my fighting spirit is back this year. I’m very pleased with that.”

Later on Friday, third seed Iga Swiatek takes on rising star Mirra Andreeva while top seed Elena Rybakina faces Leylah Fernandez.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Stuttgart #Open #Muchova #breaks #losing #streak #Gauff #semifinal">Stuttgart Open 2026: Muchova breaks losing streak against Gauff to make semifinal Karolina Muchova broke through for a first win over Coco Gauff on Friday, eliminating the French Open champion in three sets in the quarterfinal in Stuttgart.Muchova had never beaten world number three Gauff in six matches, including a loss in the fourth round of this year’s Australian Open, but prevailed 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to reach the Stuttgart semifinal for the first time.The 12th-ranked Muchova will face Elina Svitolina for a place in the final.After ensuring Gauff exited the tournament in the quarterfinal for the third straight year, Muchova said she tried not to let the daunting record impact her preparation.“It was a great fight. I’m just happy that I finally, finally beat her,” Muchova said.“This was actually our first match on a clay court. On clay we were 0-0 in the matches — I tried to keep it positive.”ALSO READ | Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Madrid Open 2026Earlier on Friday, fourth seed Svitolina moved past Czech Linda Noskova 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 to book her final four spot.The in-form Ukrainian has now reached five semifinals this season.Svitolina told reporters she had re-discovered her fighting spirit after a difficult 2025.“I had a really difficult end of last year, struggling a bit mentally,” Svitolina said. “I think my fighting spirit is back this year. I’m very pleased with that.”Later on Friday, third seed Iga Swiatek takes on rising star Mirra Andreeva while top seed Elena Rybakina faces Leylah Fernandez.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #Stuttgart #Open #Muchova #breaks #losing #streak #Gauff #semifinal

Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Madrid Open 2026

Earlier on Friday, fourth seed Svitolina moved past Czech Linda Noskova 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 to book her final four spot.

The in-form Ukrainian has now reached five semifinals this season.

Svitolina told reporters she had re-discovered her fighting spirit after a difficult 2025.

“I had a really difficult end of last year, struggling a bit mentally,” Svitolina said. “I think my fighting spirit is back this year. I’m very pleased with that.”

Later on Friday, third seed Iga Swiatek takes on rising star Mirra Andreeva while top seed Elena Rybakina faces Leylah Fernandez.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Stuttgart #Open #Muchova #breaks #losing #streak #Gauff #semifinal">Stuttgart Open 2026: Muchova breaks losing streak against Gauff to make semifinal

Karolina Muchova broke through for a first win over Coco Gauff on Friday, eliminating the French Open champion in three sets in the quarterfinal in Stuttgart.

Muchova had never beaten world number three Gauff in six matches, including a loss in the fourth round of this year’s Australian Open, but prevailed 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to reach the Stuttgart semifinal for the first time.

The 12th-ranked Muchova will face Elina Svitolina for a place in the final.

After ensuring Gauff exited the tournament in the quarterfinal for the third straight year, Muchova said she tried not to let the daunting record impact her preparation.

“It was a great fight. I’m just happy that I finally, finally beat her,” Muchova said.

“This was actually our first match on a clay court. On clay we were 0-0 in the matches — I tried to keep it positive.”

ALSO READ | Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Madrid Open 2026

Earlier on Friday, fourth seed Svitolina moved past Czech Linda Noskova 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 to book her final four spot.

The in-form Ukrainian has now reached five semifinals this season.

Svitolina told reporters she had re-discovered her fighting spirit after a difficult 2025.

“I had a really difficult end of last year, struggling a bit mentally,” Svitolina said. “I think my fighting spirit is back this year. I’m very pleased with that.”

Later on Friday, third seed Iga Swiatek takes on rising star Mirra Andreeva while top seed Elena Rybakina faces Leylah Fernandez.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Stuttgart #Open #Muchova #breaks #losing #streak #Gauff #semifinal

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