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Best DFS picks for Broncos vs Bills in Divisional round

Best DFS picks for Broncos vs Bills in Divisional round

The No. 1 AFC seed Broncos host the Buffalo Bills in Denver this Saturday as 1.5-point underdogs. Josh Allen and company won a close game against the Jaguars in Jacksonville in the Wild Card round and now head to the mile high elevation to take on the well rested Broncos.

The Bills are slight favorites, which is a little surprising, but there is no doubt Josh Allen can elevate his team to great heights when push comes to shove. He’s not 100% healthy, but I’m sure he will play.

Below we will take a look at the best DFS plays for this Divisional round showdown.

Josh Allen, QB, Bills (FLEX $13,400, CPT $20,100)

Allen rushed for two touchdowns in the first round and that is why he is alway a strong captain’s play, even at his high price. The Broncos defense is legit, but the Jaguars defense was also pretty good. Allen can put up fantasy points at an alarming rate.

Bo Nix, QB, Broncos (FLEX $11,800, CPT $17,700)

Nix doesn’t run as often as Allen, but like Allen, he doesn’t have a receiver that we know will get a huge target percentage and he will run around the goal line. His fantasy point floor and ceiling are just so much higher than the rest of the Broncos players. And like all quarterbacks who run, the playoffs are the time to let loose and run whenever you think it might be advantageous.

James Cook, POS, Bills (FLEX $12,600, CPT $18,900)

Cook is the 2025 NFL rushing champion, but the Jaguars strong run defense allowed 46 yards on 15 carries, along with two receptions for five yards. The Broncos are similarly strong against the run, but that could keep people from using him in the captain’s spot this week. We’re looking for any kind of edge here and if you can get the rushing leader at a lower captain’s spot roster percentage than usual, I say go for it.

Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Broncos (FLEX $4,000, CPT $6,000)

McLaughlin only saw seven touches in Week 18, but he put up 58 yards on those touches, while RJ Harvey had 16 touches for 33 yards. That doesn’t mean McLaughlin is going to all of a sudden become the lead back, but we know Sean Payton loves going with the hot hand. And, the Bills run defense is their weakness. I’m assuming McLaughlin will be a popular pick due to his price and good efficiency last week, but I don’t see any reason to fade him at this price to roster.

Pat Bryant, WR, Broncos (FLEX $3,600, CPT $5,400)

Bryant has been a much bigger part of the offense than his price to roster shows this week. He’s had 5, 3, 4, 5, and 4 receptions over his last five games and last week was second to Courtland Sutton in snap percentage. Sutton remains the most-likely No. 1 target and is worth playing, but the value for Bryant looks tremendous for their first playoff game.

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Bills (FLEX $7,600, CPT $11,400)

Kahlil Shakir is the most likely receiver to see a big target day, while Brandin Cooks has strong upside with Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers out. Both are a little too expensive for the “value” plays, but both are good plays.

I like Kincaid’s upside against the Broncos, especially compared to his middling price tag. Denver has a great defense, but they have allowed the 12th-most receptions and 9th-most yards to tight ends. Kincaid found the end zone last week, and I think we could see a replay this week.

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#DFS #picks #Broncos #Bills #Divisional

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, 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

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
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
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

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.

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

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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.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

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.

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

lightbox-info

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.

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.

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

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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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