Deadspin | Pistons reach 60-win plateau by racing past Pacers Apr 12, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles against Indiana Pacers center Micah Potter (11) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons closed out just the third 60-win regular season in franchise history on Sunday, leading wire-to-wire in a 133-121 defeat of the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis. With the East’s No. 1 seed in the upcoming NBA Playoffs also secured, Detroit (60-22) limited its entire starting five to fewer than 26 minutes in Sunday’s regular-season finale. That was plenty of time for Paul Reed to make some more Pistons’ history, as he became the organization’s first player ever to score 25-plus points on a perfect field-goal shooting performance. Reed scored a game-high 26 points on 11-of-11 from the floor. Tobias Harris added 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field, including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the 3-point arc. Detroit knocked down 15-of-33 from long distance overall and went a blistering 50-of-89 (56.2%) from the floor overall. The Pistons’ even distribution of minutes provided plenty of scoring opportunities for Detroit’s reserves, led by Kevin Huerter’s 15 points and Isaiah Stewart’s 16. The Detroit bench outscored Indiana’s, 60-45. The Pacers (19-63) made a late push in their final game of the worst season by won-loss record in franchise history, pulling to within six points with less than three minutes remaining. Ethan Thompson, one of four Indiana scorers with at least 18 points, scored the last of his 18 during the futile rally effort down the stretch. Quenton Jackson and Obi Toppin led the Pacers with 21 points each, and Kobe Brown added 20 points. Micah Potter finished with a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double. The Detroit reserves helped build a lead that peaked at 27 points in the third quarter when the visitors surged out of halftime with an 18-9 run. Reed and Ausar Thompson punctuated the surge with back-to-back dunks, part of the Pistons’ 62 points in the paint. On a night Detroit was red-hot from the floor, Cade Cunningham was a rare exception shooting just 3 of 12. The Pistons’ star finished with only seven points, but neared a triple-double in his reduced playing time, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing 14 assists. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pistons #reach #60win #plateau #racing #Pacers

Deadspin | Pistons reach 60-win plateau by racing past Pacers
Apr 12, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles against Indiana Pacers center Micah Potter (11) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons closed out just the third 60-win regular season in franchise history on Sunday, leading wire-to-wire in a 133-121 defeat of the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis.

With the East’s No. 1 seed in the upcoming NBA Playoffs also secured, Detroit (60-22) limited its entire starting five to fewer than 26 minutes in Sunday’s regular-season finale. That was plenty of time for Paul Reed to make some more Pistons’ history, as he became the organization’s first player ever to score 25-plus points on a perfect field-goal shooting performance.

Reed scored a game-high 26 points on 11-of-11 from the floor. Tobias Harris added 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field, including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the 3-point arc.

Detroit knocked down 15-of-33 from long distance overall and went a blistering 50-of-89 (56.2%) from the floor overall.

The Pistons’ even distribution of minutes provided plenty of scoring opportunities for Detroit’s reserves, led by Kevin Huerter’s 15 points and Isaiah Stewart’s 16. The Detroit bench outscored Indiana’s, 60-45.

The Pacers (19-63) made a late push in their final game of the worst season by won-loss record in franchise history, pulling to within six points with less than three minutes remaining. Ethan Thompson, one of four Indiana scorers with at least 18 points, scored the last of his 18 during the futile rally effort down the stretch.

Quenton Jackson and Obi Toppin led the Pacers with 21 points each, and Kobe Brown added 20 points. Micah Potter finished with a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double.

The Detroit reserves helped build a lead that peaked at 27 points in the third quarter when the visitors surged out of halftime with an 18-9 run. Reed and Ausar Thompson punctuated the surge with back-to-back dunks, part of the Pistons’ 62 points in the paint.

On a night Detroit was red-hot from the floor, Cade Cunningham was a rare exception shooting just 3 of 12. The Pistons’ star finished with only seven points, but neared a triple-double in his reduced playing time, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing 14 assists.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pistons #reach #60win #plateau #racing #Pacers

Sports news April 13, 2026

Apr 12, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles against Indiana Pacers center Micah Potter (11) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons closed out just the third 60-win regular season in franchise history on Sunday, leading wire-to-wire in a 133-121 defeat of the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis.

With the East’s No. 1 seed in the upcoming NBA Playoffs also secured, Detroit (60-22) limited its entire starting five to fewer than 26 minutes in Sunday’s regular-season finale. That was plenty of time for Paul Reed to make some more Pistons’ history, as he became the organization’s first player ever to score 25-plus points on a perfect field-goal shooting performance.

Reed scored a game-high 26 points on 11-of-11 from the floor. Tobias Harris added 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field, including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the 3-point arc.

Detroit knocked down 15-of-33 from long distance overall and went a blistering 50-of-89 (56.2%) from the floor overall.

The Pistons’ even distribution of minutes provided plenty of scoring opportunities for Detroit’s reserves, led by Kevin Huerter’s 15 points and Isaiah Stewart’s 16. The Detroit bench outscored Indiana’s, 60-45.

The Pacers (19-63) made a late push in their final game of the worst season by won-loss record in franchise history, pulling to within six points with less than three minutes remaining. Ethan Thompson, one of four Indiana scorers with at least 18 points, scored the last of his 18 during the futile rally effort down the stretch.

Quenton Jackson and Obi Toppin led the Pacers with 21 points each, and Kobe Brown added 20 points. Micah Potter finished with a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double.

The Detroit reserves helped build a lead that peaked at 27 points in the third quarter when the visitors surged out of halftime with an 18-9 run. Reed and Ausar Thompson punctuated the surge with back-to-back dunks, part of the Pistons’ 62 points in the paint.

On a night Detroit was red-hot from the floor, Cade Cunningham was a rare exception shooting just 3 of 12. The Pistons’ star finished with only seven points, but neared a triple-double in his reduced playing time, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing 14 assists.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Pistons #reach #60win #plateau #racing #Pacers

Wahab Riaz wants a Women’s Cricket League in Pakistan on lines of PSL <div id="content-body-70857146" itemprop="articleBody">Wahab Riaz, the mentor of the national women’s cricket team, wants the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to launch an international T20 women’s league in the country, on the lines of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).“The PSL has been a big success for us, and while our girls are not short on talent, they lack the experience and exposure of playing against stronger teams and players,” Wahab told reporters in Karachi.He suggested that the PCB should explore this possibility because when Pakistani players share the dressing room with international players and play with them and against them, it will help them grow.He also felt the Board should help in getting the members of the national women’s team opportunities to play in foreign T20 leagues.Wahab, who is also a national selector, is supervising the team’s training in Karachi ahead of a bilateral series against Zimbabwe.It is the first time a women’s team from Zimbabwe is visiting Pakistan for a white-ball tour. The teams will compete in three T20 matches and as many ODIs, starting April 29.Wahab said the series will help in the preparations for this year’s T20 World Cup.Published on Apr 13, 2026</div> #Wahab #Riaz #Womens #Cricket #League #Pakistan #lines #PSL

Deadspin | Kamilla Cardoso leads Sky’s second-half surge past Sun Jul 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) shoots a free throw against the Connecticut Sun during a second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Kamilla Cardoso scored 26 points and Sydney Taylor added 14 as the host Chicago Sky defeated the Connecticut Sun 94-88 on Thursday to stop a two-game skid. Connecticut (7-22) outrebounded Chicago (10-18) 34-28 and had all five starters score in double figures. But it wasn’t enough to stop the Sky, who outscored the Sun 54-39 after halftime to hand them their fourth straight loss. Aneesah Morrow remained on a tear for Connecticut. Two nights after scoring a career-best 21 points in a 92-84 loss at Washington, the second-year forward matched that total despite contributing just four points after halftime. Olivia Nelson-Ododa posted a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Sun. Diamond Miller (14 points), Leila Lacan (12) and Charlisse Leger-Walker (10) followed. Remaining steady after a strong start to the third quarter was the key for Chicago. After a Taylor trey brought the Sky within three at the 6:59 mark, Connecticut pushed the advantage back to 12 just over two minutes later after leading by 14 late in the first half. Cardoso hit two free throws to give the Sky a 74-72 lead with 6:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. She split a pair to push the lead to seven points with 3:20 left. She went 10-for-11 from the foul line with a team-high six rebounds to help the Sky lead by 10 in the final minute. Natasha Cloud scored 11 points for Chicago, and DiJonai Carrington contributed nine points in her team and season debut. Carrington missed the first half of the season with a sprained left foot. Carrington hadn’t played since September, when she sustained the injury during the Minnesota Lynx’s playoff run. Connecticut took a 49-40 lead into halftime. Long-range effectiveness helped the Sun create a cushion. They shot 4-for-8 from deep in the first 20 minutes compared to 2-for-14 for the Sky. Morrow (17 points) and Nelson-Ododa (12) led all scorers at intermission. Cloud paced Chicago with seven first-half points. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kamilla #Cardoso #leads #Skys #secondhalf #surge #Sun

#Deadspin #Kamilla #Cardoso #leads #Skys #secondhalf #surge #Sun">

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Jul 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) shoots a free throw against the Connecticut Sun during a second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Kamilla Cardoso scored 26 points and Sydney Taylor added 14 as the host Chicago Sky defeated the Connecticut Sun 94-88 on Thursday to stop a two-game skid.

Connecticut (7-22) outrebounded Chicago (10-18) 34-28 and had all five starters score in double figures. But it wasn’t enough to stop the Sky, who outscored the Sun 54-39 after halftime to hand them their fourth straight loss.

Aneesah Morrow remained on a tear for Connecticut. Two nights after scoring a career-best 21 points in a 92-84 loss at Washington, the second-year forward matched that total despite contributing just four points after halftime.

Olivia Nelson-Ododa posted a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Sun. Diamond Miller (14 points), Leila Lacan (12) and Charlisse Leger-Walker (10) followed.

Remaining steady after a strong start to the third quarter was the key for Chicago. After a Taylor trey brought the Sky within three at the 6:59 mark, Connecticut pushed the advantage back to 12 just over two minutes later after leading by 14 late in the first half.

Cardoso hit two free throws to give the Sky a 74-72 lead with 6:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. She split a pair to push the lead to seven points with 3:20 left. She went 10-for-11 from the foul line with a team-high six rebounds to help the Sky lead by 10 in the final minute.

Natasha Cloud scored 11 points for Chicago, and DiJonai Carrington contributed nine points in her team and season debut.

Carrington missed the first half of the season with a sprained left foot. Carrington hadn’t played since September, when she sustained the injury during the Minnesota Lynx’s playoff run.

Connecticut took a 49-40 lead into halftime. Long-range effectiveness helped the Sun create a cushion. They shot 4-for-8 from deep in the first 20 minutes compared to 2-for-14 for the Sky.

Morrow (17 points) and Nelson-Ododa (12) led all scorers at intermission. Cloud paced Chicago with seven first-half points.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kamilla #Cardoso #leads #Skys #secondhalf #surge #Sun">Deadspin | Kamilla Cardoso leads Sky’s second-half surge past Sun

Jul 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) shoots a free throw against the Connecticut Sun during a second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Kamilla Cardoso scored 26 points and Sydney Taylor added 14 as the host Chicago Sky defeated the Connecticut Sun 94-88 on Thursday to stop a two-game skid.

Connecticut (7-22) outrebounded Chicago (10-18) 34-28 and had all five starters score in double figures. But it wasn’t enough to stop the Sky, who outscored the Sun 54-39 after halftime to hand them their fourth straight loss.

Aneesah Morrow remained on a tear for Connecticut. Two nights after scoring a career-best 21 points in a 92-84 loss at Washington, the second-year forward matched that total despite contributing just four points after halftime.

Olivia Nelson-Ododa posted a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Sun. Diamond Miller (14 points), Leila Lacan (12) and Charlisse Leger-Walker (10) followed.

Remaining steady after a strong start to the third quarter was the key for Chicago. After a Taylor trey brought the Sky within three at the 6:59 mark, Connecticut pushed the advantage back to 12 just over two minutes later after leading by 14 late in the first half.

Cardoso hit two free throws to give the Sky a 74-72 lead with 6:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. She split a pair to push the lead to seven points with 3:20 left. She went 10-for-11 from the foul line with a team-high six rebounds to help the Sky lead by 10 in the final minute.

Natasha Cloud scored 11 points for Chicago, and DiJonai Carrington contributed nine points in her team and season debut.

Carrington missed the first half of the season with a sprained left foot. Carrington hadn’t played since September, when she sustained the injury during the Minnesota Lynx’s playoff run.

Connecticut took a 49-40 lead into halftime. Long-range effectiveness helped the Sun create a cushion. They shot 4-for-8 from deep in the first 20 minutes compared to 2-for-14 for the Sky.

Morrow (17 points) and Nelson-Ododa (12) led all scorers at intermission. Cloud paced Chicago with seven first-half points.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kamilla #Cardoso #leads #Skys #secondhalf #surge #Sun

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.

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

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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, $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

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

#Washington #Open #Minaur #beats #teen #Hewitt #allAussie #clash">

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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.
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">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.

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

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