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Deadspin | Carlos Cortes, A’s work to flex muscles in rematch vs. Rangers Apr 24, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes (26) stands on the field after a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Cortes had a two home run and four RBI game. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images There will need to be a roster move when Athletics slugger Brent Rooker is activated from the injured list, but it’s safe to say that Carlos Cortes isn’t going anywhere. Cortes, 28, has been a pleasant surprise for the Athletics, who will continue their three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Saturday evening in Arlington, Texas. Cortes homered twice and drove in four runs in the Athletics’ 8-1 victory on Friday. He is 10-for-21 with three homers in his last five games and is batting .339 with four homers and 11 RBIs for the season. Nick Kurtz, Cortes and Tyler Soderstrom each hit solo homers in the first inning to set the tone in Friday’s win. Zack Gelof added a two-run shot in the ninth to help the Athletics win for the third time in their last four games and take over first place in the American League West. Cortes started at designated hitter on Friday, but he’ll likely move to left field when Rooker rejoins the team — perhaps as soon as this weekend. Rooker has been out since April 10 with a right oblique strain and may not need a rehab assignment. “It’s a shorter time frame than what we expected, for sure,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “He does feel really good with everything he’s done up to this point. That being said, we’ll determine if he needs to go on a rehab or whether he just comes back. For his role as a DH, it’s not as important that he goes out and builds his legs up, as most guys that play the field would need.” Saturday’s pitching matchup will feature a pair of left-handers in the Rangers’ MacKenzie Gore (2-2, 4.15 ERA) and the Athletics’ Jeffrey Springs (3-1, 3.34). Gore, 27, allowed five runs over five innings in a 5-2 road loss to the Seattle Mariners last Sunday. He issued one walk after allowing a career-high six free passes over 4 2/3 innings in a 2-1 loss to the Athletics on April 14. “I think there’s always stuff to work on,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “I think he didn’t walk many guys (Sunday). From last start to this start, we’ll take that. He’ll continue to make the adjustments. He’s one of our better pitchers. I’m sure he’s looking forward to the next one already.” Jeff McNeil is 8-for-14 (.571) against Gore, who is 1-2 with a 7.11 ERA in three career starts vs. the Athletics. The A’s will counter on Saturday with Springs, who allowed a total of four runs over his first four starts before yielding seven runs over five frames in a 7-4 home loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. “I just didn’t feel like the ball was coming out very good from the get-go,” Springs said. “It just kind of felt like everything was slow, body-wise. It is what it is. Those are going to happen.” Springs, 33, will face Gore and the Athletics for the second time this month after allowing one run over 6 1/3 innings on April 14. Texas’ Josh Jung is 4-for-11 (.364) with a home run against Springs, who is 3-1 with a 2.32 ERA in eight career games (five starts) vs. the Rangers. Jung doubled in a run in Friday’s loss and is batting .379 with three homers and 12 RBIs over his last 19 games. “I have an understanding of what I’m trying to accomplish in the at-bat,” Jung said, “and what I’m looking for.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Carlos #Cortes #work #flex #muscles #rematch #Rangers

Deadspin | Carlos Cortes, A’s work to flex muscles in rematch vs. Rangers
Deadspin | Carlos Cortes, A’s work to flex muscles in rematch vs. Rangers Apr 24, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes (26) stands on the field after a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Cortes had a two home run and four RBI game. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images There will need to be a roster move when Athletics slugger Brent Rooker is activated from the injured list, but it’s safe to say that Carlos Cortes isn’t going anywhere. Cortes, 28, has been a pleasant surprise for the Athletics, who will continue their three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Saturday evening in Arlington, Texas. Cortes homered twice and drove in four runs in the Athletics’ 8-1 victory on Friday. He is 10-for-21 with three homers in his last five games and is batting .339 with four homers and 11 RBIs for the season. Nick Kurtz, Cortes and Tyler Soderstrom each hit solo homers in the first inning to set the tone in Friday’s win. Zack Gelof added a two-run shot in the ninth to help the Athletics win for the third time in their last four games and take over first place in the American League West. Cortes started at designated hitter on Friday, but he’ll likely move to left field when Rooker rejoins the team — perhaps as soon as this weekend. Rooker has been out since April 10 with a right oblique strain and may not need a rehab assignment. “It’s a shorter time frame than what we expected, for sure,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “He does feel really good with everything he’s done up to this point. That being said, we’ll determine if he needs to go on a rehab or whether he just comes back. For his role as a DH, it’s not as important that he goes out and builds his legs up, as most guys that play the field would need.” Saturday’s pitching matchup will feature a pair of left-handers in the Rangers’ MacKenzie Gore (2-2, 4.15 ERA) and the Athletics’ Jeffrey Springs (3-1, 3.34). Gore, 27, allowed five runs over five innings in a 5-2 road loss to the Seattle Mariners last Sunday. He issued one walk after allowing a career-high six free passes over 4 2/3 innings in a 2-1 loss to the Athletics on April 14. “I think there’s always stuff to work on,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “I think he didn’t walk many guys (Sunday). From last start to this start, we’ll take that. He’ll continue to make the adjustments. He’s one of our better pitchers. I’m sure he’s looking forward to the next one already.” Jeff McNeil is 8-for-14 (.571) against Gore, who is 1-2 with a 7.11 ERA in three career starts vs. the Athletics. The A’s will counter on Saturday with Springs, who allowed a total of four runs over his first four starts before yielding seven runs over five frames in a 7-4 home loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. “I just didn’t feel like the ball was coming out very good from the get-go,” Springs said. “It just kind of felt like everything was slow, body-wise. It is what it is. Those are going to happen.” Springs, 33, will face Gore and the Athletics for the second time this month after allowing one run over 6 1/3 innings on April 14. Texas’ Josh Jung is 4-for-11 (.364) with a home run against Springs, who is 3-1 with a 2.32 ERA in eight career games (five starts) vs. the Rangers. Jung doubled in a run in Friday’s loss and is batting .379 with three homers and 12 RBIs over his last 19 games. “I have an understanding of what I’m trying to accomplish in the at-bat,” Jung said, “and what I’m looking for.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Carlos #Cortes #work #flex #muscles #rematch #RangersApr 24, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes (26) stands on the field after a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Cortes had a two home run and four RBI game. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

There will need to be a roster move when Athletics slugger Brent Rooker is activated from the injured list, but it’s safe to say that Carlos Cortes isn’t going anywhere.

Cortes, 28, has been a pleasant surprise for the Athletics, who will continue their three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Saturday evening in Arlington, Texas.

Cortes homered twice and drove in four runs in the Athletics’ 8-1 victory on Friday. He is 10-for-21 with three homers in his last five games and is batting .339 with four homers and 11 RBIs for the season.

Nick Kurtz, Cortes and Tyler Soderstrom each hit solo homers in the first inning to set the tone in Friday’s win. Zack Gelof added a two-run shot in the ninth to help the Athletics win for the third time in their last four games and take over first place in the American League West.

Cortes started at designated hitter on Friday, but he’ll likely move to left field when Rooker rejoins the team — perhaps as soon as this weekend. Rooker has been out since April 10 with a right oblique strain and may not need a rehab assignment.

“It’s a shorter time frame than what we expected, for sure,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “He does feel really good with everything he’s done up to this point. That being said, we’ll determine if he needs to go on a rehab or whether he just comes back. For his role as a DH, it’s not as important that he goes out and builds his legs up, as most guys that play the field would need.”

Saturday’s pitching matchup will feature a pair of left-handers in the Rangers’ MacKenzie Gore (2-2, 4.15 ERA) and the Athletics’ Jeffrey Springs (3-1, 3.34).

Gore, 27, allowed five runs over five innings in a 5-2 road loss to the Seattle Mariners last Sunday. He issued one walk after allowing a career-high six free passes over 4 2/3 innings in a 2-1 loss to the Athletics on April 14.


“I think there’s always stuff to work on,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “I think he didn’t walk many guys (Sunday). From last start to this start, we’ll take that. He’ll continue to make the adjustments. He’s one of our better pitchers. I’m sure he’s looking forward to the next one already.”

Jeff McNeil is 8-for-14 (.571) against Gore, who is 1-2 with a 7.11 ERA in three career starts vs. the Athletics.

The A’s will counter on Saturday with Springs, who allowed a total of four runs over his first four starts before yielding seven runs over five frames in a 7-4 home loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

“I just didn’t feel like the ball was coming out very good from the get-go,” Springs said. “It just kind of felt like everything was slow, body-wise. It is what it is. Those are going to happen.”

Springs, 33, will face Gore and the Athletics for the second time this month after allowing one run over 6 1/3 innings on April 14.

Texas’ Josh Jung is 4-for-11 (.364) with a home run against Springs, who is 3-1 with a 2.32 ERA in eight career games (five starts) vs. the Rangers.

Jung doubled in a run in Friday’s loss and is batting .379 with three homers and 12 RBIs over his last 19 games.

“I have an understanding of what I’m trying to accomplish in the at-bat,” Jung said, “and what I’m looking for.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Carlos #Cortes #work #flex #muscles #rematch #Rangers

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Apr 24, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes (26) stands on the field after a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Cortes had a two home run and four RBI game. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

There will need to be a roster move when Athletics slugger Brent Rooker is activated from the injured list, but it’s safe to say that Carlos Cortes isn’t going anywhere.

Cortes, 28, has been a pleasant surprise for the Athletics, who will continue their three-game series against the Texas Rangers on Saturday evening in Arlington, Texas.

Cortes homered twice and drove in four runs in the Athletics’ 8-1 victory on Friday. He is 10-for-21 with three homers in his last five games and is batting .339 with four homers and 11 RBIs for the season.

Nick Kurtz, Cortes and Tyler Soderstrom each hit solo homers in the first inning to set the tone in Friday’s win. Zack Gelof added a two-run shot in the ninth to help the Athletics win for the third time in their last four games and take over first place in the American League West.

Cortes started at designated hitter on Friday, but he’ll likely move to left field when Rooker rejoins the team — perhaps as soon as this weekend. Rooker has been out since April 10 with a right oblique strain and may not need a rehab assignment.

“It’s a shorter time frame than what we expected, for sure,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “He does feel really good with everything he’s done up to this point. That being said, we’ll determine if he needs to go on a rehab or whether he just comes back. For his role as a DH, it’s not as important that he goes out and builds his legs up, as most guys that play the field would need.”

Saturday’s pitching matchup will feature a pair of left-handers in the Rangers’ MacKenzie Gore (2-2, 4.15 ERA) and the Athletics’ Jeffrey Springs (3-1, 3.34).

Gore, 27, allowed five runs over five innings in a 5-2 road loss to the Seattle Mariners last Sunday. He issued one walk after allowing a career-high six free passes over 4 2/3 innings in a 2-1 loss to the Athletics on April 14.

“I think there’s always stuff to work on,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “I think he didn’t walk many guys (Sunday). From last start to this start, we’ll take that. He’ll continue to make the adjustments. He’s one of our better pitchers. I’m sure he’s looking forward to the next one already.”

Jeff McNeil is 8-for-14 (.571) against Gore, who is 1-2 with a 7.11 ERA in three career starts vs. the Athletics.

The A’s will counter on Saturday with Springs, who allowed a total of four runs over his first four starts before yielding seven runs over five frames in a 7-4 home loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

“I just didn’t feel like the ball was coming out very good from the get-go,” Springs said. “It just kind of felt like everything was slow, body-wise. It is what it is. Those are going to happen.”

Springs, 33, will face Gore and the Athletics for the second time this month after allowing one run over 6 1/3 innings on April 14.

Texas’ Josh Jung is 4-for-11 (.364) with a home run against Springs, who is 3-1 with a 2.32 ERA in eight career games (five starts) vs. the Rangers.

Jung doubled in a run in Friday’s loss and is batting .379 with three homers and 12 RBIs over his last 19 games.

“I have an understanding of what I’m trying to accomplish in the at-bat,” Jung said, “and what I’m looking for.”

–Field Level Media

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RR vs SRH, IPL 2026: Ishan, Abhishek take Sunrisers past Royals <div id="content-body-70906488" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s third-fastest century in the IPL went in vain as Sunrisers Hyderabad overhauled 229 runs and beat Rajasthan Royals by five wickets at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday.</p><p>The teenage prodigy’s 35-ball century got Royals to a commanding total of 228 for five. But Sunrisers banked on quickfire fifties from Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan to reach the target with nine balls to spare.</p><p>For Pat Cummins’ side, this was the fourth straight win in the tournament which lifted the side to the third place in the points table.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #SRH #IPL #Ishan #Abhishek #Sunrisers #Royals

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Deadspin | Blue Jays: Nathan Lukes (hamstring) to IL; Trey Yesavage (shoulder) close to return Apr 24, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Nathan Lukes (38) leaves the game after sliding into second base against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images The Toronto Blue Jays added yet another player to the injured list Saturday when outfielder Nathan Lukes was placed on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain. In Friday night’s 8-6 loss to the visiting Cleveland Guardians, Lukes led off the Toronto first against Gavin Williams with a double to right but hobbled into second with left hamstring discomfort. He was replaced by pinch runner Davis Schneider, who took third on a flyout and scored on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s ground out. Lukes started the season 2-for-31 while struggling with dizziness and vision problems caused by vertigo before notching 11 hits in his last 21 at-bats. He’s hitting .250 with eight RBIs in 52 at-bats this season. The 31-year-old played seven seasons in the minors before making his MLB debut with Toronto in 2023. He appeared in just 51 games over the 2023 and 2024 seasons before becoming an everyday player last season, finishing with a .255 batting average, 12 home runs and 65 RBIs across 135 games. In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays called up outfielder Yohendrick Pinango from Triple-A Buffalo, where the 23-year-old prospect was hitting .288 with three homers, 13 RBI and 10 runs scored in 92 plate appearances. He will likely be a backup to Myles Straw, who is expected to make the bulk of appearances in Lukes’ absence. To make room on the major league roster, Toronto moved right-handed pitcher Yimi Garcia (elbow) to the 60-day IL. The injury to Lukes is the latest in a long line of Toronto players headed to the IL this season, a group of more than a dozen players that also includes designated hitter George Springer (fractured left big toe); outfielders Addison Barger (sprained left ankle) and Anthony Santander (torn labrum in left shoulder); catcher Alejandro Kirk (fractured left thumb); starting pitchers Bowden Francis (elbow surgery), Jose Berrios (stress fracture in right elbow), Cody Ponce (torn ACL in right knee), Shane Bieber (right elbow inflammation) and Trey Yesavage (shoulder). In some good news for the Blue Jays, Yesavage is reportedly expected to come off the IL to start Tuesday’s game against the Boston Red Sox. In less good news, Yesavage is coming off four rehab appearances in the minor leagues with a 7.50 ERA and 1.750 WHIP across 12 innings. He struck out two batters but lasted just 2.1 innings in his most recent outing, meaning the 22-year-old right-hander will likely be working under a pitch count when he makes his season debut. Toronto manager John Schneider expressed his frustration Saturday at the continuing injuries, saying, “Feels like anyone who’s playing good is not allowed to play anymore,” according to Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae. The Blue Jays sit in fourth place in the AL East standings with a 10-15 record. They face the Guardians Saturday afternoon in the second of a three-game series in Toronto. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #Nathan #Lukes #hamstring #Trey #Yesavage #shoulder #close #returnApr 24, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Nathan Lukes (38) leaves the game after sliding into second base against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays added yet another player to the injured list Saturday when outfielder Nathan Lukes was placed on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain.

In Friday night’s 8-6 loss to the visiting Cleveland Guardians, Lukes led off the Toronto first against Gavin Williams with a double to right but hobbled into second with left hamstring discomfort. He was replaced by pinch runner Davis Schneider, who took third on a flyout and scored on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s ground out.

Lukes started the season 2-for-31 while struggling with dizziness and vision problems caused by vertigo before notching 11 hits in his last 21 at-bats. He’s hitting .250 with eight RBIs in 52 at-bats this season.

The 31-year-old played seven seasons in the minors before making his MLB debut with Toronto in 2023. He appeared in just 51 games over the 2023 and 2024 seasons before becoming an everyday player last season, finishing with a .255 batting average, 12 home runs and 65 RBIs across 135 games.

In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays called up outfielder Yohendrick Pinango from Triple-A Buffalo, where the 23-year-old prospect was hitting .288 with three homers, 13 RBI and 10 runs scored in 92 plate appearances. He will likely be a backup to Myles Straw, who is expected to make the bulk of appearances in Lukes’ absence.


To make room on the major league roster, Toronto moved right-handed pitcher Yimi Garcia (elbow) to the 60-day IL.

The injury to Lukes is the latest in a long line of Toronto players headed to the IL this season, a group of more than a dozen players that also includes designated hitter George Springer (fractured left big toe); outfielders Addison Barger (sprained left ankle) and Anthony Santander (torn labrum in left shoulder); catcher Alejandro Kirk (fractured left thumb); starting pitchers Bowden Francis (elbow surgery), Jose Berrios (stress fracture in right elbow), Cody Ponce (torn ACL in right knee), Shane Bieber (right elbow inflammation) and Trey Yesavage (shoulder).

In some good news for the Blue Jays, Yesavage is reportedly expected to come off the IL to start Tuesday’s game against the Boston Red Sox.

In less good news, Yesavage is coming off four rehab appearances in the minor leagues with a 7.50 ERA and 1.750 WHIP across 12 innings. He struck out two batters but lasted just 2.1 innings in his most recent outing, meaning the 22-year-old right-hander will likely be working under a pitch count when he makes his season debut.

Toronto manager John Schneider expressed his frustration Saturday at the continuing injuries, saying, “Feels like anyone who’s playing good is not allowed to play anymore,” according to Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae.

The Blue Jays sit in fourth place in the AL East standings with a 10-15 record. They face the Guardians Saturday afternoon in the second of a three-game series in Toronto.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blue #Jays #Nathan #Lukes #hamstring #Trey #Yesavage #shoulder #close #return">Deadspin | Blue Jays: Nathan Lukes (hamstring) to IL; Trey Yesavage (shoulder) close to return Apr 24, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Nathan Lukes (38) leaves the game after sliding into second base against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images The Toronto Blue Jays added yet another player to the injured list Saturday when outfielder Nathan Lukes was placed on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain. In Friday night’s 8-6 loss to the visiting Cleveland Guardians, Lukes led off the Toronto first against Gavin Williams with a double to right but hobbled into second with left hamstring discomfort. He was replaced by pinch runner Davis Schneider, who took third on a flyout and scored on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s ground out. Lukes started the season 2-for-31 while struggling with dizziness and vision problems caused by vertigo before notching 11 hits in his last 21 at-bats. He’s hitting .250 with eight RBIs in 52 at-bats this season. The 31-year-old played seven seasons in the minors before making his MLB debut with Toronto in 2023. He appeared in just 51 games over the 2023 and 2024 seasons before becoming an everyday player last season, finishing with a .255 batting average, 12 home runs and 65 RBIs across 135 games. In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays called up outfielder Yohendrick Pinango from Triple-A Buffalo, where the 23-year-old prospect was hitting .288 with three homers, 13 RBI and 10 runs scored in 92 plate appearances. He will likely be a backup to Myles Straw, who is expected to make the bulk of appearances in Lukes’ absence. To make room on the major league roster, Toronto moved right-handed pitcher Yimi Garcia (elbow) to the 60-day IL. The injury to Lukes is the latest in a long line of Toronto players headed to the IL this season, a group of more than a dozen players that also includes designated hitter George Springer (fractured left big toe); outfielders Addison Barger (sprained left ankle) and Anthony Santander (torn labrum in left shoulder); catcher Alejandro Kirk (fractured left thumb); starting pitchers Bowden Francis (elbow surgery), Jose Berrios (stress fracture in right elbow), Cody Ponce (torn ACL in right knee), Shane Bieber (right elbow inflammation) and Trey Yesavage (shoulder). In some good news for the Blue Jays, Yesavage is reportedly expected to come off the IL to start Tuesday’s game against the Boston Red Sox. In less good news, Yesavage is coming off four rehab appearances in the minor leagues with a 7.50 ERA and 1.750 WHIP across 12 innings. He struck out two batters but lasted just 2.1 innings in his most recent outing, meaning the 22-year-old right-hander will likely be working under a pitch count when he makes his season debut. Toronto manager John Schneider expressed his frustration Saturday at the continuing injuries, saying, “Feels like anyone who’s playing good is not allowed to play anymore,” according to Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae. The Blue Jays sit in fourth place in the AL East standings with a 10-15 record. They face the Guardians Saturday afternoon in the second of a three-game series in Toronto. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #Nathan #Lukes #hamstring #Trey #Yesavage #shoulder #close #return

Iga Swiatek was forced to retire from her Madrid Open clash with Ann Li on Saturday due to illness, sending the American 31st seed into the round of 16 of the WTA 1000 tournament.

A champion in the Spanish capital in 2024, Swiatek rebounded from a set down to level the contest but ended her campaign while trailing 0-3 in the decider.

The Polish six-time Grand Slam champion appeared to be struggling and asked for the doctor after being broken early in the third set.

Following a conversation with the trainers, Swiatek tried to break Li back but, when her opponent held for a 3-0 lead, the fourth seed realised she was unable to continue.

It is Swiatek’s earliest exit in five appearances in Madrid.

Earlier in the day, 15th seed Iva Jovic squandered a lead and fell 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to Canada’s 24th seed Leylah Fernandez, who will face Li in the last 16.

ALSO READ: Fernandes hopes Portugal wins FIFA World Cup to crown Ronaldo’s international career

Ninth seed Mirra Andreeva of Russia overcame an inspired Dalma Galfi 6-3, 6-2 in a match that was much closer than the scoreline suggested.

The Hungarian qualifier, ranked 117 in the world, broke early in both sets but was unable to maintain her advantage as Andreeva recovered to improve her clay-court record this season to 9-1 and set up a last-16 meeting with another Hungarian, Anna Bondar.

In ATP action, defending champion Casper Ruud raced into the third round with a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of home favourite Jaume Munar in just 65 minutes.

The 12th seed leads the ATP Tour in clay-court wins (133) and titles (12) since the start of the 2020 season and is bidding to become the third man to defend the Madrid crown after Rafael Nadal (2013-14) and Carlos Alcaraz (2022-23).

Second-seeded Alexander Zverev recovered from a “terrible” second set to begin his campaign with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 performance against recent Bucharest champion Mariano Navone.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Ailing #Swiatek #retires #Madrid #Open">Ailing Swiatek retires in third round of Madrid Open Iga Swiatek was forced to retire from her Madrid Open clash with Ann Li on Saturday due to illness, sending the American 31st seed into the round of 16 of the WTA 1000 tournament.A champion in the Spanish capital in 2024, Swiatek rebounded from a set down to level the contest but ended her campaign while trailing 0-3 in the decider.The Polish six-time Grand Slam champion appeared to be struggling and asked for the doctor after being broken early in the third set.Following a conversation with the trainers, Swiatek tried to break Li back but, when her opponent held for a 3-0 lead, the fourth seed realised she was unable to continue.It is Swiatek’s earliest exit in five appearances in Madrid.Earlier in the day, 15th seed Iva Jovic squandered a lead and fell 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to Canada’s 24th seed Leylah Fernandez, who will face Li in the last 16.ALSO READ: Fernandes hopes Portugal wins FIFA World Cup to crown Ronaldo’s international careerNinth seed Mirra Andreeva of Russia overcame an inspired Dalma Galfi 6-3, 6-2 in a match that was much closer than the scoreline suggested.The Hungarian qualifier, ranked 117 in the world, broke early in both sets but was unable to maintain her advantage as Andreeva recovered to improve her clay-court record this season to 9-1 and set up a last-16 meeting with another Hungarian, Anna Bondar.In ATP action, defending champion Casper Ruud raced into the third round with a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of home favourite Jaume Munar in just 65 minutes.The 12th seed leads the ATP Tour in clay-court wins (133) and titles (12) since the start of the 2020 season and is bidding to become the third man to defend the Madrid crown after Rafael Nadal (2013-14) and Carlos Alcaraz (2022-23).Second-seeded Alexander Zverev recovered from a “terrible” second set to begin his campaign with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 performance against recent Bucharest champion Mariano Navone.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #Ailing #Swiatek #retires #Madrid #Open

Fernandes hopes Portugal wins FIFA World Cup to crown Ronaldo’s international career

Ninth seed Mirra Andreeva of Russia overcame an inspired Dalma Galfi 6-3, 6-2 in a match that was much closer than the scoreline suggested.

The Hungarian qualifier, ranked 117 in the world, broke early in both sets but was unable to maintain her advantage as Andreeva recovered to improve her clay-court record this season to 9-1 and set up a last-16 meeting with another Hungarian, Anna Bondar.

In ATP action, defending champion Casper Ruud raced into the third round with a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of home favourite Jaume Munar in just 65 minutes.

The 12th seed leads the ATP Tour in clay-court wins (133) and titles (12) since the start of the 2020 season and is bidding to become the third man to defend the Madrid crown after Rafael Nadal (2013-14) and Carlos Alcaraz (2022-23).

Second-seeded Alexander Zverev recovered from a “terrible” second set to begin his campaign with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 performance against recent Bucharest champion Mariano Navone.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Ailing #Swiatek #retires #Madrid #Open">Ailing Swiatek retires in third round of Madrid Open

Iga Swiatek was forced to retire from her Madrid Open clash with Ann Li on Saturday due to illness, sending the American 31st seed into the round of 16 of the WTA 1000 tournament.

A champion in the Spanish capital in 2024, Swiatek rebounded from a set down to level the contest but ended her campaign while trailing 0-3 in the decider.

The Polish six-time Grand Slam champion appeared to be struggling and asked for the doctor after being broken early in the third set.

Following a conversation with the trainers, Swiatek tried to break Li back but, when her opponent held for a 3-0 lead, the fourth seed realised she was unable to continue.

It is Swiatek’s earliest exit in five appearances in Madrid.

Earlier in the day, 15th seed Iva Jovic squandered a lead and fell 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to Canada’s 24th seed Leylah Fernandez, who will face Li in the last 16.

ALSO READ: Fernandes hopes Portugal wins FIFA World Cup to crown Ronaldo’s international career

Ninth seed Mirra Andreeva of Russia overcame an inspired Dalma Galfi 6-3, 6-2 in a match that was much closer than the scoreline suggested.

The Hungarian qualifier, ranked 117 in the world, broke early in both sets but was unable to maintain her advantage as Andreeva recovered to improve her clay-court record this season to 9-1 and set up a last-16 meeting with another Hungarian, Anna Bondar.

In ATP action, defending champion Casper Ruud raced into the third round with a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of home favourite Jaume Munar in just 65 minutes.

The 12th seed leads the ATP Tour in clay-court wins (133) and titles (12) since the start of the 2020 season and is bidding to become the third man to defend the Madrid crown after Rafael Nadal (2013-14) and Carlos Alcaraz (2022-23).

Second-seeded Alexander Zverev recovered from a “terrible” second set to begin his campaign with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 performance against recent Bucharest champion Mariano Navone.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Ailing #Swiatek #retires #Madrid #Open
Deadspin | Iga Swiatek withdraws from Madrid with illness Mar 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Iga Swiatek (POL) reacts after missing a shot against Magda Linette (POL) (not pictured) on day three of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Iga Swiatek withdrew from the Mutua Madrid Open after suffering from an illness in her round-of-32 match against Ann Li on Saturday. The No. 4 seed Swiatek lost the first set to the No. 31 seed Li but jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second set, winning 16 of 21 points on the way to winning that set in 39 minutes. However, the six-time Grand Slam Champion looked unwell throughout and called for a medical timeout while down 2-0 in the deciding third set. She returned to the court after being checked on by doctors but retired after Li held serve. The exit is the earliest for Swiatek in five appearances in Madrid, where she won the title in 2024. She beat Daria Snigur in straight sets Thursday but said Saturday she’d been feeling ill for the previous two days. “I heard there is something going on between players, that the virus is somewhere on site. I’m sure I’ll be fine in a couple of days, but I had zero energy and zero stability and just felt really bad physically, and yesterday even worse,” Swiatek said after Saturday’s match. “I knew that it’s going to be hard, but I still wanted to try.” Previously untouchable on clay, Swiatek has struggled on the surface more recently. In 2025, the Polish star failed to defend her Madrid and Italian Open titles and also lost in the French Open semifinals. So far this spring, she has not won more than one match in two clay court tournaments. “On the court before the tournament I felt like I’m playing great, so actually it’s sad for me that I can’t play, because I was feeling really good with my game, and I was moving forward in the process, so, this was positive,” Swiatek said. “But for me the tournament has just started and I couldn’t even compete today, so it’s disappointing.” The 7-6 (4), 2-6, 3-0 ret. win over Swiatek is Li’s s second Top 10 win in 12 chances and the highest-ranked win of her career. She will face the No. 24 seed, Canadian Leylah Fernandez, in the Round of 16 on Monday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Iga #Swiatek #withdraws #Madrid #illnessMar 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Iga Swiatek (POL) reacts after missing a shot against Magda Linette (POL) (not pictured) on day three of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Iga Swiatek withdrew from the Mutua Madrid Open after suffering from an illness in her round-of-32 match against Ann Li on Saturday.

The No. 4 seed Swiatek lost the first set to the No. 31 seed Li but jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second set, winning 16 of 21 points on the way to winning that set in 39 minutes.

However, the six-time Grand Slam Champion looked unwell throughout and called for a medical timeout while down 2-0 in the deciding third set. She returned to the court after being checked on by doctors but retired after Li held serve.

The exit is the earliest for Swiatek in five appearances in Madrid, where she won the title in 2024.

She beat Daria Snigur in straight sets Thursday but said Saturday she’d been feeling ill for the previous two days.


“I heard there is something going on between players, that the virus is somewhere on site. I’m sure I’ll be fine in a couple of days, but I had zero energy and zero stability and just felt really bad physically, and yesterday even worse,” Swiatek said after Saturday’s match. “I knew that it’s going to be hard, but I still wanted to try.”

Previously untouchable on clay, Swiatek has struggled on the surface more recently.

In 2025, the Polish star failed to defend her Madrid and Italian Open titles and also lost in the French Open semifinals. So far this spring, she has not won more than one match in two clay court tournaments.

“On the court before the tournament I felt like I’m playing great, so actually it’s sad for me that I can’t play, because I was feeling really good with my game, and I was moving forward in the process, so, this was positive,” Swiatek said. “But for me the tournament has just started and I couldn’t even compete today, so it’s disappointing.”

The 7-6 (4), 2-6, 3-0 ret. win over Swiatek is Li’s s second Top 10 win in 12 chances and the highest-ranked win of her career. She will face the No. 24 seed, Canadian Leylah Fernandez, in the Round of 16 on Monday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Iga #Swiatek #withdraws #Madrid #illness">Deadspin | Iga Swiatek withdraws from Madrid with illness Mar 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Iga Swiatek (POL) reacts after missing a shot against Magda Linette (POL) (not pictured) on day three of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Iga Swiatek withdrew from the Mutua Madrid Open after suffering from an illness in her round-of-32 match against Ann Li on Saturday. The No. 4 seed Swiatek lost the first set to the No. 31 seed Li but jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second set, winning 16 of 21 points on the way to winning that set in 39 minutes. However, the six-time Grand Slam Champion looked unwell throughout and called for a medical timeout while down 2-0 in the deciding third set. She returned to the court after being checked on by doctors but retired after Li held serve. The exit is the earliest for Swiatek in five appearances in Madrid, where she won the title in 2024. She beat Daria Snigur in straight sets Thursday but said Saturday she’d been feeling ill for the previous two days. “I heard there is something going on between players, that the virus is somewhere on site. I’m sure I’ll be fine in a couple of days, but I had zero energy and zero stability and just felt really bad physically, and yesterday even worse,” Swiatek said after Saturday’s match. “I knew that it’s going to be hard, but I still wanted to try.” Previously untouchable on clay, Swiatek has struggled on the surface more recently. In 2025, the Polish star failed to defend her Madrid and Italian Open titles and also lost in the French Open semifinals. So far this spring, she has not won more than one match in two clay court tournaments. “On the court before the tournament I felt like I’m playing great, so actually it’s sad for me that I can’t play, because I was feeling really good with my game, and I was moving forward in the process, so, this was positive,” Swiatek said. “But for me the tournament has just started and I couldn’t even compete today, so it’s disappointing.” The 7-6 (4), 2-6, 3-0 ret. win over Swiatek is Li’s s second Top 10 win in 12 chances and the highest-ranked win of her career. She will face the No. 24 seed, Canadian Leylah Fernandez, in the Round of 16 on Monday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Iga #Swiatek #withdraws #Madrid #illness

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