Charleston Open 2026: Pegula defends title with dominant win over Starodubtseva Defending champion Jessica Pegula clinched back-to-back victories at the WTA Charleston Open clay court tournament on Sunday, routing Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in straight sets to claim her second title of the year.Top seed Pegula, who had gone to three sets in every round on her way to Sunday’s final, was in no mood to take the scenic route again as she sprinted to a 6-2, 6-2 victory in one hour and 22 minutes against her 89th-ranked opponent.The Charleston victory follows Pegula’s win at Dubai in February and is the 11th title of the 32-year-old New Yorker’s career.After an even start, Pegula seized control in the fifth game of the first set, grabbing the first break point of the match when Starodubtseva pulled a forehand wide.The Ukrainian saved that point but was quickly in trouble again, giving Pegula another break point with a rushed return which the American converted for a 3-2 lead.After holding to go 4-2 up, Pegula then went a double-break ahead as more unforced errors from Starodubtseva proved costly.After comfortably serving out for the set, Pegula was soon on the offensive in the second, breaking Starodubtseva for a third time to 1-0 up.Starodubtseva finally began to exert some pressure in the next game and twice carved out break points.But Pegula slammed the door shut to hold for 2-0 and then rammed home the advantage by breaking again for a 3-0 lead.Another break left her 5-0 up and serving for the match. Starodubtseva finally showed some resilience to fight off three match points to grab her first break to make it 5-1.But Pegula made no mistake on her next service game, holding to love to wrap up victory.Published on Apr 06, 2026 #Charleston #Open #Pegula #defends #title #dominant #win #Starodubtseva

Charleston Open 2026: Pegula defends title with dominant win over Starodubtseva
Defending champion Jessica Pegula clinched back-to-back victories at the WTA Charleston Open clay court tournament on Sunday, routing Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in straight sets to claim her second title of the year.
Top seed Pegula, who had gone to three sets in every round on her way to Sunday’s final, was in no mood to take the scenic route again as she sprinted to a 6-2, 6-2 victory in one hour and 22 minutes against her 89th-ranked opponent.
The Charleston victory follows Pegula’s win at Dubai in February and is the 11th title of the 32-year-old New Yorker’s career.
After an even start, Pegula seized control in the fifth game of the first set, grabbing the first break point of the match when Starodubtseva pulled a forehand wide.
The Ukrainian saved that point but was quickly in trouble again, giving Pegula another break point with a rushed return which the American converted for a 3-2 lead.
After holding to go 4-2 up, Pegula then went a double-break ahead as more unforced errors from Starodubtseva proved costly.
After comfortably serving out for the set, Pegula was soon on the offensive in the second, breaking Starodubtseva for a third time to 1-0 up.
Starodubtseva finally began to exert some pressure in the next game and twice carved out break points.
But Pegula slammed the door shut to hold for 2-0 and then rammed home the advantage by breaking again for a 3-0 lead.
Another break left her 5-0 up and serving for the match. Starodubtseva finally showed some resilience to fight off three match points to grab her first break to make it 5-1.
But Pegula made no mistake on her next service game, holding to love to wrap up victory.
Published on Apr 06, 2026
#Charleston #Open #Pegula #defends #title #dominant #win #Starodubtseva

Defending champion Jessica Pegula clinched back-to-back victories at the WTA Charleston Open clay court tournament on Sunday, routing Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in straight sets to claim her second title of the year.

Top seed Pegula, who had gone to three sets in every round on her way to Sunday’s final, was in no mood to take the scenic route again as she sprinted to a 6-2, 6-2 victory in one hour and 22 minutes against her 89th-ranked opponent.

The Charleston victory follows Pegula’s win at Dubai in February and is the 11th title of the 32-year-old New Yorker’s career.

After an even start, Pegula seized control in the fifth game of the first set, grabbing the first break point of the match when Starodubtseva pulled a forehand wide.

The Ukrainian saved that point but was quickly in trouble again, giving Pegula another break point with a rushed return which the American converted for a 3-2 lead.

After holding to go 4-2 up, Pegula then went a double-break ahead as more unforced errors from Starodubtseva proved costly.

After comfortably serving out for the set, Pegula was soon on the offensive in the second, breaking Starodubtseva for a third time to 1-0 up.

Starodubtseva finally began to exert some pressure in the next game and twice carved out break points.

But Pegula slammed the door shut to hold for 2-0 and then rammed home the advantage by breaking again for a 3-0 lead.

Another break left her 5-0 up and serving for the match. Starodubtseva finally showed some resilience to fight off three match points to grab her first break to make it 5-1.

But Pegula made no mistake on her next service game, holding to love to wrap up victory.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

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#Charleston #Open #Pegula #defends #title #dominant #win #Starodubtseva

Tag charleston open charleston open 2026 charleston open final jessica egula wta title jessica pegula jessica pegula vs yuliia starodubtseva jessica pegula wta final

8 Insider Secrets to Make Disneyland with a Toddler Magical – Sydne Style

Deadspin | Sounders’ strong start helps extend unbeaten streak vs. Dallas Apr 25, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Sounders defender Alex Roldan (16), left, and Dallas FC midfielder Ran Binyamin (6) battle for the ball during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images Jordan Morris had a goal and an assist as the Seattle Sounders defeated visiting FC Dallas 2-1 Saturday night. Jesus Ferreira also scored and goalkeeper Andrew Thomas made five saves for the Sounders (6-1-1, 19 points), who extended their unbeaten streak in league play to six matches (5-0-1). Nolan Norris scored for Dallas (3-3-4, 13 points), which is winless in its past four (0-2-2). Goalie Michael Collodi made four saves, including one on a penalty kick. Dallas is 1-13-4 all-time at Lumen Field, with the lone victory coming in 2011. Dallas dominated possession in the opening 15 minutes, spending most of it in the Seattle end, but it was the Sounders who struck first. Jackson Ragen sent a long ball down the right wing to Morris. With Danny Musovski charging toward the net, Morris passed to Ferreira, who was trailing the play just inside the top of the 18-yard box. The former Dallas standout took a shot that deflected off defender Lalas Abubakar and past Collodi. The Sounders doubled their lead in the 30th minute. Hassani Dotson made a pass from his own side of midfield to Snyder Brunell, who took a couple of strides and sent a through ball to Morris for a breakaway. As Collodi charged toward him, Morris lifted a shot over the goalie with the outside of his right foot. Dallas pulled within 2-1 in the 40th minute. Santiago Moreno’s corner kick from the left wing found Norris outside the near post and he flicked a header into the far side netting for his first MLS goal. Ferreira had a chance for a brace on a penalty kick in the 54th minute, but Collodi made a diving save to his left. The penalty was awarded when Abubakar tripped Paul Rothrock near the end line on the left edge of the 18-yard box. Dallas played without its top two scorers in Petar Musa, who leads MLS with nine goals, and Logan Farrington, who were both left out of the lineup due to lower-body injuries. The Sounders were without midfielders Albert Rusnak (hamstring) and Cristian Roldan (concussion protocol). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sounders #strong #start #helps #extend #unbeaten #streak #Dallas

#Deadspin #Sounders #strong #start #helps #extend #unbeaten #streak #Dallas">

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Apr 25, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Sounders defender Alex Roldan (16), left, and Dallas FC midfielder Ran Binyamin (6) battle for the ball during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Jordan Morris had a goal and an assist as the Seattle Sounders defeated visiting FC Dallas 2-1 Saturday night.

Jesus Ferreira also scored and goalkeeper Andrew Thomas made five saves for the Sounders (6-1-1, 19 points), who extended their unbeaten streak in league play to six matches (5-0-1).

Nolan Norris scored for Dallas (3-3-4, 13 points), which is winless in its past four (0-2-2). Goalie Michael Collodi made four saves, including one on a penalty kick.

Dallas is 1-13-4 all-time at Lumen Field, with the lone victory coming in 2011.

Dallas dominated possession in the opening 15 minutes, spending most of it in the Seattle end, but it was the Sounders who struck first.

Jackson Ragen sent a long ball down the right wing to Morris. With Danny Musovski charging toward the net, Morris passed to Ferreira, who was trailing the play just inside the top of the 18-yard box. The former Dallas standout took a shot that deflected off defender Lalas Abubakar and past Collodi.

The Sounders doubled their lead in the 30th minute. Hassani Dotson made a pass from his own side of midfield to Snyder Brunell, who took a couple of strides and sent a through ball to Morris for a breakaway. As Collodi charged toward him, Morris lifted a shot over the goalie with the outside of his right foot.

Dallas pulled within 2-1 in the 40th minute. Santiago Moreno’s corner kick from the left wing found Norris outside the near post and he flicked a header into the far side netting for his first MLS goal.

Ferreira had a chance for a brace on a penalty kick in the 54th minute, but Collodi made a diving save to his left. The penalty was awarded when Abubakar tripped Paul Rothrock near the end line on the left edge of the 18-yard box.

Dallas played without its top two scorers in Petar Musa, who leads MLS with nine goals, and Logan Farrington, who were both left out of the lineup due to lower-body injuries.

The Sounders were without midfielders Albert Rusnak (hamstring) and Cristian Roldan (concussion protocol).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sounders #strong #start #helps #extend #unbeaten #streak #Dallas">Deadspin | Sounders’ strong start helps extend unbeaten streak vs. Dallas

Apr 25, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Sounders defender Alex Roldan (16), left, and Dallas FC midfielder Ran Binyamin (6) battle for the ball during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Jordan Morris had a goal and an assist as the Seattle Sounders defeated visiting FC Dallas 2-1 Saturday night.

Jesus Ferreira also scored and goalkeeper Andrew Thomas made five saves for the Sounders (6-1-1, 19 points), who extended their unbeaten streak in league play to six matches (5-0-1).

Nolan Norris scored for Dallas (3-3-4, 13 points), which is winless in its past four (0-2-2). Goalie Michael Collodi made four saves, including one on a penalty kick.

Dallas is 1-13-4 all-time at Lumen Field, with the lone victory coming in 2011.

Dallas dominated possession in the opening 15 minutes, spending most of it in the Seattle end, but it was the Sounders who struck first.

Jackson Ragen sent a long ball down the right wing to Morris. With Danny Musovski charging toward the net, Morris passed to Ferreira, who was trailing the play just inside the top of the 18-yard box. The former Dallas standout took a shot that deflected off defender Lalas Abubakar and past Collodi.

The Sounders doubled their lead in the 30th minute. Hassani Dotson made a pass from his own side of midfield to Snyder Brunell, who took a couple of strides and sent a through ball to Morris for a breakaway. As Collodi charged toward him, Morris lifted a shot over the goalie with the outside of his right foot.

Dallas pulled within 2-1 in the 40th minute. Santiago Moreno’s corner kick from the left wing found Norris outside the near post and he flicked a header into the far side netting for his first MLS goal.

Ferreira had a chance for a brace on a penalty kick in the 54th minute, but Collodi made a diving save to his left. The penalty was awarded when Abubakar tripped Paul Rothrock near the end line on the left edge of the 18-yard box.

Dallas played without its top two scorers in Petar Musa, who leads MLS with nine goals, and Logan Farrington, who were both left out of the lineup due to lower-body injuries.

The Sounders were without midfielders Albert Rusnak (hamstring) and Cristian Roldan (concussion protocol).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sounders #strong #start #helps #extend #unbeaten #streak #Dallas

Arsenal is back on top of the Premier League, but Mikel Arteta claimed its title challenge could be ruined by two rejected red card decisions in its games against Manchester City and Newcastle.

Arteta’s side is three points clear of second-placed Manchester City after Eberechi Eze’s early strike clinched a vital 1-0 win against Newcastle on Saturday.

But the Gunners boss was frustrated with the decision not to send off Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope for a foul on Viktor Gyokeres in the 74th minute at the Emirates Stadium.

Pope raced out of his penalty area to clatter Gyokeres, escaping with a yellow card because the Sweden striker was wide on the right wing without a clear sight of goal.

ALSO READ | Nervy Arsenal goes back to top as Eze seals vital win over Newcastle

With the prospect of goal difference potentially deciding a gripping title race, Arteta knew Arsenal would have had a chance to rack up a bigger win if Newcastle were reduced to 10 men.

Instead, it had to settle for a result that left the side only one goal better off than City in the goal difference column.

Arteta was also still harbouring a grievance from last weekend’s crucial 2-1 defeat at City, when Abdukodir Khusanov wasn’t sent off after hauling down Kai Havertz.

What three points means to @Arsenal 🔴 pic.twitter.com/6RsQe702Fn
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 25, 2026

The Spaniard believes those two decisions could prove decisive in settling the title race.

“I don’t know why the Newcastle keeper wasn’t sent off. I have seen it 10 times. If you have ever watched football, you know it was a red card. These are the margins,” Arteta said.

“I am saying the reality of the last two games, in crucial moments with everything at stake, we need things to go our way. I’m not making excuses.

“It was a red card today and a red card in Manchester. If they go our way we are in a different world today.”

Arteta’s rant underlined the mounting tension at the Emirates as Arsenal chases a first English title since 2004.

City’s 1-0 win at Burnley in midweek had knocked Arsenal off top spot for the first time since October, raising the spectre of another title race collapse after its blown leads in 2023 and 2024 gifted the trophy to Pep Guardiola’s men.

‘Path of roses’

Arsenal had lost its previous two league games and four of its last six in all competitions.

Once again, the side struggled to impose itself for long periods against Newcastle, but Eze’s superb strike from a well-worked short corner was enough to settle its nerves.

“We talk about game one and how important that was. We certainly did the job. When it’s 1-0 it’s always tough, especially with the quality of players they brought on,” Arteta said.

“We tried to get a second goal but when you can’t do that you have to win it in other areas.”

City has a game in hand on Arsenal and retains control of the title race.

But Arsenal can move six points clear if it beats Fulham next weekend, before City is next in league action against Everton on May 4.

Arteta knows there will be plenty more twists and turns before Arsenal can finally end its long wait for the title.

“We are where we are. I don’t expect after 22 years, it is going to be a path of roses and beautiful music around it,” he said.

“It is so hard to win the Premier League, it is so competitive.

“We have to do what is in our hands. Game one was in our hands. We had to win it and we have done it. We wanted a bigger margin but we were not able to.”

Arteta faces a nervous wait to discover if Eze and Havertz will be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg at Atletico Madrid.

“They are muscular niggles. We dont think it is too much. We have to see if they are available for Wednesday,” he said.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Mikel #Arteta #Arsenal #regains #lead #Premier #League #title #race #making #excuses">

Mikel Arteta as Arsenal regains lead in Premier League title race: I am not making excuses, we need things to go our way Arsenal is back on top of the Premier League, but Mikel Arteta claimed its title challenge could be ruined by two rejected red card decisions in its games against Manchester City and Newcastle.Arteta’s side is three points clear of second-placed Manchester City after Eberechi Eze’s early strike clinched a vital 1-0 win against Newcastle on Saturday.But the Gunners boss was frustrated with the decision not to send off Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope for a foul on Viktor Gyokeres in the 74th minute at the Emirates Stadium.Pope raced out of his penalty area to clatter Gyokeres, escaping with a yellow card because the Sweden striker was wide on the right wing without a clear sight of goal.ALSO READ | Nervy Arsenal goes back to top as Eze seals vital win over NewcastleWith the prospect of goal difference potentially deciding a gripping title race, Arteta knew Arsenal would have had a chance to rack up a bigger win if Newcastle were reduced to 10 men.Instead, it had to settle for a result that left the side only one goal better off than City in the goal difference column.Arteta was also still harbouring a grievance from last weekend’s crucial 2-1 defeat at City, when Abdukodir Khusanov wasn’t sent off after hauling down Kai Havertz.What three points means to @Arsenal 🔴 pic.twitter.com/6RsQe702Fn— Premier League (@premierleague) April 25, 2026The Spaniard believes those two decisions could prove decisive in settling the title race.“I don’t know why the Newcastle keeper wasn’t sent off. I have seen it 10 times. If you have ever watched football, you know it was a red card. These are the margins,” Arteta said.“I am saying the reality of the last two games, in crucial moments with everything at stake, we need things to go our way. I’m not making excuses.“It was a red card today and a red card in Manchester. If they go our way we are in a different world today.”Arteta’s rant underlined the mounting tension at the Emirates as Arsenal chases a first English title since 2004.City’s 1-0 win at Burnley in midweek had knocked Arsenal off top spot for the first time since October, raising the spectre of another title race collapse after its blown leads in 2023 and 2024 gifted the trophy to Pep Guardiola’s men.‘Path of roses’Arsenal had lost its previous two league games and four of its last six in all competitions.Once again, the side struggled to impose itself for long periods against Newcastle, but Eze’s superb strike from a well-worked short corner was enough to settle its nerves.“We talk about game one and how important that was. We certainly did the job. When it’s 1-0 it’s always tough, especially with the quality of players they brought on,” Arteta said.“We tried to get a second goal but when you can’t do that you have to win it in other areas.”City has a game in hand on Arsenal and retains control of the title race.But Arsenal can move six points clear if it beats Fulham next weekend, before City is next in league action against Everton on May 4.Arteta knows there will be plenty more twists and turns before Arsenal can finally end its long wait for the title.“We are where we are. I don’t expect after 22 years, it is going to be a path of roses and beautiful music around it,” he said.“It is so hard to win the Premier League, it is so competitive.“We have to do what is in our hands. Game one was in our hands. We had to win it and we have done it. We wanted a bigger margin but we were not able to.”Arteta faces a nervous wait to discover if Eze and Havertz will be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg at Atletico Madrid.“They are muscular niggles. We dont think it is too much. We have to see if they are available for Wednesday,” he said.Published on Apr 26, 2026 #Mikel #Arteta #Arsenal #regains #lead #Premier #League #title #race #making #excuses

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Arsenal is back on top of the Premier League, but Mikel Arteta claimed its title challenge could be ruined by two rejected red card decisions in its games against Manchester City and Newcastle.
Arteta’s side is three points clear of second-placed Manchester City after Eberechi Eze’s early strike clinched a vital 1-0 win against Newcastle on Saturday.
But the Gunners boss was frustrated with the decision not to send off Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope for a foul on Viktor Gyokeres in the 74th minute at the Emirates Stadium.
Pope raced out of his penalty area to clatter Gyokeres, escaping with a yellow card because the Sweden striker was wide on the right wing without a clear sight of goal.
ALSO READ | Nervy Arsenal goes back to top as Eze seals vital win over Newcastle
With the prospect of goal difference potentially deciding a gripping title race, Arteta knew Arsenal would have had a chance to rack up a bigger win if Newcastle were reduced to 10 men.
Instead, it had to settle for a result that left the side only one goal better off than City in the goal difference column.
Arteta was also still harbouring a grievance from last weekend’s crucial 2-1 defeat at City, when Abdukodir Khusanov wasn’t sent off after hauling down Kai Havertz.
What three points means to @Arsenal 🔴 pic.twitter.com/6RsQe702Fn
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 25, 2026
The Spaniard believes those two decisions could prove decisive in settling the title race.
“I don’t know why the Newcastle keeper wasn’t sent off. I have seen it 10 times. If you have ever watched football, you know it was a red card. These are the margins,” Arteta said.
“I am saying the reality of the last two games, in crucial moments with everything at stake, we need things to go our way. I’m not making excuses.
“It was a red card today and a red card in Manchester. If they go our way we are in a different world today.”
Arteta’s rant underlined the mounting tension at the Emirates as Arsenal chases a first English title since 2004.
City’s 1-0 win at Burnley in midweek had knocked Arsenal off top spot for the first time since October, raising the spectre of another title race collapse after its blown leads in 2023 and 2024 gifted the trophy to Pep Guardiola’s men.