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Deadspin | Raptors host Heat for a pair with both vying for optimal playoff positioning Dec 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images Plenty will be at stake on Tuesday when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat for the first of two straight meetings north of the border between the postseason-bound teams. Entering Monday’s action, Toronto (43-35) sits in the No. 7 spot of the crowded Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are just a half-game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic and two games in front of the No. 10 Heat (41-37). After a three-year stretch of mediocrity that saw the franchise miss the playoffs each time, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s team has its most wins since the 2021-22 season and is in line to bring postseason basketball back to Canada. As it stands now, Toronto would host Charlotte in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game, with the winner facing the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round. With four games remaining, though, the Raptors can find themselves as low as the 10th spot. The Raptors enter this game as losers in three of their last four, including a 115-101 road loss to Boston on Sunday. A bright spot for Rajakovic’s group has been second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Inserted into the starting lineup the last six games, Walter is averaging 10.5 points across that stretch, drilling four 3-pointers in the setback against the Celtics. Ahead of the Raptors’ most pivotal stretch of the year, Walter has gained the trust from his head coach. “I love it. Ja’Kobe is a two-way player that does a lot for us,” Rajakovic said. “These opportunities that he’s had to start are showing us a lot of what he’s capable of and all the work he’s been putting in. Knocking down those shots for a young player, it’s awesome to see him doing so good in those situations.” Walter averages 7.3 points on a 40.2% 3-point shooting clip. Brandon Ingram’s 21.3 ppg lead the Raptors, followed by RJ Barrett’s 19.1 and Scottie Barnes’ 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest. Miami hopes it’s beginning to regain its form after a woeful end to March. The Heat dropped seven of eight games, before winning two of their last three. Miami picked up a much-needed 152-136 win over the woeful Washington Wizards on Saturday. “We had two really good days of practice coming off the last disappointing game (a 147-129 loss to Boston),” Head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what you want out of a group, particularly with everything we’ve gone through these last 10 games. We’re just focusing on solutions and working to get better.” Since Miami’s tailspin began on March 14, defense has been at the forefront of its issues. The Heat have allowed 129.9 points per game across their last 11 outings. Second-year center Kel’el Ware pulled his weight against Washington, posting seven blocks to go along with 24 points and 19 rebounds. After Ware’s dominant performance, Spoelstra challenged Ware to continue his production against Toronto. “He wants more for me; he wants better for me,” Ware said of Spoelstra. “He just wants to see me perform at a higher level.” Ware averages 11.1 points and 9.1 boards per game. Norman Powell (22.1 ppg) has missed the last four games with an illness, while Tyler Herro (21.4 ppg) looks to return after missing Saturday due to personal reasons. Both are listed as probable. Bam Adebayo has compiled 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raptors #host #Heat #pair #vying #optimal #playoff #positioning

Deadspin | Raptors host Heat for a pair with both vying for optimal playoff positioning
Deadspin | Raptors host Heat for a pair with both vying for optimal playoff positioning Dec 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images Plenty will be at stake on Tuesday when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat for the first of two straight meetings north of the border between the postseason-bound teams. Entering Monday’s action, Toronto (43-35) sits in the No. 7 spot of the crowded Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are just a half-game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic and two games in front of the No. 10 Heat (41-37). After a three-year stretch of mediocrity that saw the franchise miss the playoffs each time, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s team has its most wins since the 2021-22 season and is in line to bring postseason basketball back to Canada. As it stands now, Toronto would host Charlotte in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game, with the winner facing the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round. With four games remaining, though, the Raptors can find themselves as low as the 10th spot. The Raptors enter this game as losers in three of their last four, including a 115-101 road loss to Boston on Sunday. A bright spot for Rajakovic’s group has been second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Inserted into the starting lineup the last six games, Walter is averaging 10.5 points across that stretch, drilling four 3-pointers in the setback against the Celtics. Ahead of the Raptors’ most pivotal stretch of the year, Walter has gained the trust from his head coach. “I love it. Ja’Kobe is a two-way player that does a lot for us,” Rajakovic said. “These opportunities that he’s had to start are showing us a lot of what he’s capable of and all the work he’s been putting in. Knocking down those shots for a young player, it’s awesome to see him doing so good in those situations.” Walter averages 7.3 points on a 40.2% 3-point shooting clip. Brandon Ingram’s 21.3 ppg lead the Raptors, followed by RJ Barrett’s 19.1 and Scottie Barnes’ 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest. Miami hopes it’s beginning to regain its form after a woeful end to March. The Heat dropped seven of eight games, before winning two of their last three. Miami picked up a much-needed 152-136 win over the woeful Washington Wizards on Saturday. “We had two really good days of practice coming off the last disappointing game (a 147-129 loss to Boston),” Head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what you want out of a group, particularly with everything we’ve gone through these last 10 games. We’re just focusing on solutions and working to get better.” Since Miami’s tailspin began on March 14, defense has been at the forefront of its issues. The Heat have allowed 129.9 points per game across their last 11 outings. Second-year center Kel’el Ware pulled his weight against Washington, posting seven blocks to go along with 24 points and 19 rebounds. After Ware’s dominant performance, Spoelstra challenged Ware to continue his production against Toronto. “He wants more for me; he wants better for me,” Ware said of Spoelstra. “He just wants to see me perform at a higher level.” Ware averages 11.1 points and 9.1 boards per game. Norman Powell (22.1 ppg) has missed the last four games with an illness, while Tyler Herro (21.4 ppg) looks to return after missing Saturday due to personal reasons. Both are listed as probable. Bam Adebayo has compiled 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raptors #host #Heat #pair #vying #optimal #playoff #positioningDec 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Plenty will be at stake on Tuesday when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat for the first of two straight meetings north of the border between the postseason-bound teams.

Entering Monday’s action, Toronto (43-35) sits in the No. 7 spot of the crowded Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are just a half-game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic and two games in front of the No. 10 Heat (41-37).

After a three-year stretch of mediocrity that saw the franchise miss the playoffs each time, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s team has its most wins since the 2021-22 season and is in line to bring postseason basketball back to Canada.

As it stands now, Toronto would host Charlotte in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game, with the winner facing the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round. With four games remaining, though, the Raptors can find themselves as low as the 10th spot.

The Raptors enter this game as losers in three of their last four, including a 115-101 road loss to Boston on Sunday. A bright spot for Rajakovic’s group has been second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Inserted into the starting lineup the last six games, Walter is averaging 10.5 points across that stretch, drilling four 3-pointers in the setback against the Celtics.

Ahead of the Raptors’ most pivotal stretch of the year, Walter has gained the trust from his head coach.

“I love it. Ja’Kobe is a two-way player that does a lot for us,” Rajakovic said. “These opportunities that he’s had to start are showing us a lot of what he’s capable of and all the work he’s been putting in. Knocking down those shots for a young player, it’s awesome to see him doing so good in those situations.”


Walter averages 7.3 points on a 40.2% 3-point shooting clip. Brandon Ingram’s 21.3 ppg lead the Raptors, followed by RJ Barrett’s 19.1 and Scottie Barnes’ 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest.

Miami hopes it’s beginning to regain its form after a woeful end to March. The Heat dropped seven of eight games, before winning two of their last three. Miami picked up a much-needed 152-136 win over the woeful Washington Wizards on Saturday.

“We had two really good days of practice coming off the last disappointing game (a 147-129 loss to Boston),” Head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what you want out of a group, particularly with everything we’ve gone through these last 10 games. We’re just focusing on solutions and working to get better.”

Since Miami’s tailspin began on March 14, defense has been at the forefront of its issues. The Heat have allowed 129.9 points per game across their last 11 outings.

Second-year center Kel’el Ware pulled his weight against Washington, posting seven blocks to go along with 24 points and 19 rebounds. After Ware’s dominant performance, Spoelstra challenged Ware to continue his production against Toronto.

“He wants more for me; he wants better for me,” Ware said of Spoelstra. “He just wants to see me perform at a higher level.”

Ware averages 11.1 points and 9.1 boards per game. Norman Powell (22.1 ppg) has missed the last four games with an illness, while Tyler Herro (21.4 ppg) looks to return after missing Saturday due to personal reasons. Both are listed as probable.

Bam Adebayo has compiled 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raptors #host #Heat #pair #vying #optimal #playoff #positioning

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Dec 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) dunks around Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Plenty will be at stake on Tuesday when the Toronto Raptors host the Miami Heat for the first of two straight meetings north of the border between the postseason-bound teams.

Entering Monday’s action, Toronto (43-35) sits in the No. 7 spot of the crowded Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors are just a half-game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, a game ahead of the Orlando Magic and two games in front of the No. 10 Heat (41-37).

After a three-year stretch of mediocrity that saw the franchise miss the playoffs each time, head coach Darko Rajakovic’s team has its most wins since the 2021-22 season and is in line to bring postseason basketball back to Canada.

As it stands now, Toronto would host Charlotte in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game, with the winner facing the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round. With four games remaining, though, the Raptors can find themselves as low as the 10th spot.

The Raptors enter this game as losers in three of their last four, including a 115-101 road loss to Boston on Sunday. A bright spot for Rajakovic’s group has been second-year guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Inserted into the starting lineup the last six games, Walter is averaging 10.5 points across that stretch, drilling four 3-pointers in the setback against the Celtics.

Ahead of the Raptors’ most pivotal stretch of the year, Walter has gained the trust from his head coach.

“I love it. Ja’Kobe is a two-way player that does a lot for us,” Rajakovic said. “These opportunities that he’s had to start are showing us a lot of what he’s capable of and all the work he’s been putting in. Knocking down those shots for a young player, it’s awesome to see him doing so good in those situations.”

Walter averages 7.3 points on a 40.2% 3-point shooting clip. Brandon Ingram’s 21.3 ppg lead the Raptors, followed by RJ Barrett’s 19.1 and Scottie Barnes’ 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest.

Miami hopes it’s beginning to regain its form after a woeful end to March. The Heat dropped seven of eight games, before winning two of their last three. Miami picked up a much-needed 152-136 win over the woeful Washington Wizards on Saturday.

“We had two really good days of practice coming off the last disappointing game (a 147-129 loss to Boston),” Head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s what you want out of a group, particularly with everything we’ve gone through these last 10 games. We’re just focusing on solutions and working to get better.”

Since Miami’s tailspin began on March 14, defense has been at the forefront of its issues. The Heat have allowed 129.9 points per game across their last 11 outings.

Second-year center Kel’el Ware pulled his weight against Washington, posting seven blocks to go along with 24 points and 19 rebounds. After Ware’s dominant performance, Spoelstra challenged Ware to continue his production against Toronto.

“He wants more for me; he wants better for me,” Ware said of Spoelstra. “He just wants to see me perform at a higher level.”

Ware averages 11.1 points and 9.1 boards per game. Norman Powell (22.1 ppg) has missed the last four games with an illness, while Tyler Herro (21.4 ppg) looks to return after missing Saturday due to personal reasons. Both are listed as probable.

Bam Adebayo has compiled 20.2 points and 10 rebounds per game.

–Field Level Media

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Thanks to four Player of the Match awards in the Men’s T20 World Cup for his all-round exploits, Will Jacks was expected to be a vital cog for Mumbai Indians in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

But his delayed arrival had fans moving from “When will Jacks join?” to “Will Jacks ever join?” before the England allrounder finally linked up with the squad ahead of last week’s humbling at home against Chennai Super Kings.

Come Wednesday, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Jacks is set to make his first appearance of the season — and do so under pressure, with MI’s campaign already teetering. With five defeats in seven games, there is little room for a settling-in period.

ALSO READ | IPL: Mumbai Indians announces Keshav Maharaj as replacement for injured Mitchell Santner

Jacks put in a long session at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday evening, a sign that he is ready to slot straight in. With Mitchell Santner ruled out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury sustained against CSK, Jacks appears a certainty in the XI.

His inclusion offers balance. With Hardik Pandya yet to fire consistently with the bat, Jacks’ finishing credentials add much-needed depth to a line-up that has flattered to deceive. His off-spin, meanwhile, could prove equally valuable against SRH’s left-hand-heavy batting artillery.

For a side searching for momentum, the hope — perhaps even the gamble — is that one performance can trigger a turnaround. With both Hardik and head coach Mahela Jayawardene looking for answers, Jacks’ arrival comes at a critical juncture.

The question now is simple: can he be more than just another addition — can Will Jacks turn out to be MI’s last ray of hope?

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#IPL #Jacks #turn #tide #Mumbai #Indians">IPL 2026: Will Jacks turn the tide for Mumbai Indians? Thanks to four Player of the Match awards in the Men’s T20 World Cup for his all-round exploits, Will Jacks was expected to be a vital cog for Mumbai Indians in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.But his delayed arrival had fans moving from “When will Jacks join?” to “Will Jacks ever join?” before the England allrounder finally linked up with the squad ahead of last week’s humbling at home against Chennai Super Kings.Come Wednesday, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Jacks is set to make his first appearance of the season — and do so under pressure, with MI’s campaign already teetering. With five defeats in seven games, there is little room for a settling-in period.ALSO READ | IPL: Mumbai Indians announces Keshav Maharaj as replacement for injured Mitchell SantnerJacks put in a long session at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday evening, a sign that he is ready to slot straight in. With Mitchell Santner ruled out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury sustained against CSK, Jacks appears a certainty in the XI.His inclusion offers balance. With Hardik Pandya yet to fire consistently with the bat, Jacks’ finishing credentials add much-needed depth to a line-up that has flattered to deceive. His off-spin, meanwhile, could prove equally valuable against SRH’s left-hand-heavy batting artillery.For a side searching for momentum, the hope — perhaps even the gamble — is that one performance can trigger a turnaround. With both Hardik and head coach Mahela Jayawardene looking for answers, Jacks’ arrival comes at a critical juncture.The question now is simple: can he be more than just another addition — can Will Jacks turn out to be MI’s last ray of hope?Published on Apr 27, 2026 #IPL #Jacks #turn #tide #Mumbai #Indians

IPL: Mumbai Indians announces Keshav Maharaj as replacement for injured Mitchell Santner

Jacks put in a long session at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday evening, a sign that he is ready to slot straight in. With Mitchell Santner ruled out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury sustained against CSK, Jacks appears a certainty in the XI.

His inclusion offers balance. With Hardik Pandya yet to fire consistently with the bat, Jacks’ finishing credentials add much-needed depth to a line-up that has flattered to deceive. His off-spin, meanwhile, could prove equally valuable against SRH’s left-hand-heavy batting artillery.

For a side searching for momentum, the hope — perhaps even the gamble — is that one performance can trigger a turnaround. With both Hardik and head coach Mahela Jayawardene looking for answers, Jacks’ arrival comes at a critical juncture.

The question now is simple: can he be more than just another addition — can Will Jacks turn out to be MI’s last ray of hope?

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#IPL #Jacks #turn #tide #Mumbai #Indians">IPL 2026: Will Jacks turn the tide for Mumbai Indians?

Thanks to four Player of the Match awards in the Men’s T20 World Cup for his all-round exploits, Will Jacks was expected to be a vital cog for Mumbai Indians in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

But his delayed arrival had fans moving from “When will Jacks join?” to “Will Jacks ever join?” before the England allrounder finally linked up with the squad ahead of last week’s humbling at home against Chennai Super Kings.

Come Wednesday, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Jacks is set to make his first appearance of the season — and do so under pressure, with MI’s campaign already teetering. With five defeats in seven games, there is little room for a settling-in period.

ALSO READ | IPL: Mumbai Indians announces Keshav Maharaj as replacement for injured Mitchell Santner

Jacks put in a long session at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday evening, a sign that he is ready to slot straight in. With Mitchell Santner ruled out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury sustained against CSK, Jacks appears a certainty in the XI.

His inclusion offers balance. With Hardik Pandya yet to fire consistently with the bat, Jacks’ finishing credentials add much-needed depth to a line-up that has flattered to deceive. His off-spin, meanwhile, could prove equally valuable against SRH’s left-hand-heavy batting artillery.

For a side searching for momentum, the hope — perhaps even the gamble — is that one performance can trigger a turnaround. With both Hardik and head coach Mahela Jayawardene looking for answers, Jacks’ arrival comes at a critical juncture.

The question now is simple: can he be more than just another addition — can Will Jacks turn out to be MI’s last ray of hope?

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#IPL #Jacks #turn #tide #Mumbai #Indians
Deadspin | Coco Gauff battles illness, tough opponent, but advances in Madrid Mar 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Coco Gauff of the United States hits a forehand against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the final of the women’s singles at the Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images Coco Gauff is not the retiring type. The third-seed in the WTA’s Madrid Open became another player this week to struggle during a match due to illness and fell behind Sorana Cirstea by a set and a break on Sunday. The two-time Grand Slam champion vomited as discreetly as possible outside the court area, took a medical timeout and was able to get some relief. She then proceeded to pull out the second set and cruise in the third to defeat the 25th-seeded Romanian 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 in two hours, 21 minutes. “When I actually threw up on the court, that was like a little bit embarrassing,” said Gauff after the match. ” … I’m someone who doesn’t like to pull out (of matches). I don’t like to do that unless I really feel like I have no other options. So the plan was to always just try to finish, even if it ended up with me just playing just to get through it.” Gauff recorded her eighth three-set match win of the year, third on tour behind Jessica Pegula (10) and Magda Linette of Poland (nine). Cirstea, who is retiring at the end of the 2026 season, led 4-3 in the second after breaking Gauff for the sixth time in nine return games. But Gauff broke her opponent at love and captured the set on her second set point against Cirstea’s serve. Gauff won 36 of 60 third-set points to advance to the fourth round, where she will face No. 13 Linda Noskova. The Czech advanced in a walkover and did not have to face Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova, who is also suffering from the illness. Polish No. 4 seed Iga Swiatek retired in the third set on Saturday vs. Ann Li, also unable to overcome illness. Gauff reached the finals of last year’s Madrid Open, but lost to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) in straight sets. Another player nearly as hot as Sabalenka –who is 25-1 in 2026 — is Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, who eliminated No. 5 Jessica Pegula, 6-1, 6-4 in only 73 minutes. Kostyuk has won eight consecutive matches and comes in off a title in Rouen, France. “I think I’m definitely enjoying playing tennis since I got injured in the Australian Open,” said Kostyuk. “I’m very happy with the progress that we’re making as a team, and I think that’s all that matters. “I’ve never had such a long winning streak in my career, so we must be doing something right.” The 26th-seeded Kostyuk produced 20 winners against Pegula, who responded with only nine. She also saved 10 break points. Kostyuk will face Caty McNally, who edged Czech Katerina Siniakova, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (2). In other three-setters, second-seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan rallied to knock off No. 32 Qinwen Zhang of China, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic upset No. 19 Elise Mertens of Belgium, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (3), Austria’s Anastasia Potapova outlasted No. 21 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 and Argentina’s Sorana Sierra sprinted past Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez, 0-6, 6-2, 6-3. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Coco #Gauff #battles #illness #tough #opponent #advances #MadridMar 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Coco Gauff of the United States hits a forehand against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the final of the women’s singles at the Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Coco Gauff is not the retiring type.

The third-seed in the WTA’s Madrid Open became another player this week to struggle during a match due to illness and fell behind Sorana Cirstea by a set and a break on Sunday.

The two-time Grand Slam champion vomited as discreetly as possible outside the court area, took a medical timeout and was able to get some relief. She then proceeded to pull out the second set and cruise in the third to defeat the 25th-seeded Romanian 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 in two hours, 21 minutes.

“When I actually threw up on the court, that was like a little bit embarrassing,” said Gauff after the match. ” … I’m someone who doesn’t like to pull out (of matches). I don’t like to do that unless I really feel like I have no other options. So the plan was to always just try to finish, even if it ended up with me just playing just to get through it.”

Gauff recorded her eighth three-set match win of the year, third on tour behind Jessica Pegula (10) and Magda Linette of Poland (nine).

Cirstea, who is retiring at the end of the 2026 season, led 4-3 in the second after breaking Gauff for the sixth time in nine return games. But Gauff broke her opponent at love and captured the set on her second set point against Cirstea’s serve.

Gauff won 36 of 60 third-set points to advance to the fourth round, where she will face No. 13 Linda Noskova. The Czech advanced in a walkover and did not have to face Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova, who is also suffering from the illness.


Polish No. 4 seed Iga Swiatek retired in the third set on Saturday vs. Ann Li, also unable to overcome illness.

Gauff reached the finals of last year’s Madrid Open, but lost to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) in straight sets.

Another player nearly as hot as Sabalenka –who is 25-1 in 2026 — is Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, who eliminated No. 5 Jessica Pegula, 6-1, 6-4 in only 73 minutes. Kostyuk has won eight consecutive matches and comes in off a title in Rouen, France.

“I think I’m definitely enjoying playing tennis since I got injured in the Australian Open,” said Kostyuk. “I’m very happy with the progress that we’re making as a team, and I think that’s all that matters.

“I’ve never had such a long winning streak in my career, so we must be doing something right.”

The 26th-seeded Kostyuk produced 20 winners against Pegula, who responded with only nine. She also saved 10 break points.

Kostyuk will face Caty McNally, who edged Czech Katerina Siniakova, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (2).

In other three-setters, second-seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan rallied to knock off No. 32 Qinwen Zhang of China, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic upset No. 19 Elise Mertens of Belgium, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (3), Austria’s Anastasia Potapova outlasted No. 21 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 and Argentina’s Sorana Sierra sprinted past Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez, 0-6, 6-2, 6-3.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Coco #Gauff #battles #illness #tough #opponent #advances #Madrid">Deadspin | Coco Gauff battles illness, tough opponent, but advances in Madrid Mar 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Coco Gauff of the United States hits a forehand against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the final of the women’s singles at the Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images Coco Gauff is not the retiring type. The third-seed in the WTA’s Madrid Open became another player this week to struggle during a match due to illness and fell behind Sorana Cirstea by a set and a break on Sunday. The two-time Grand Slam champion vomited as discreetly as possible outside the court area, took a medical timeout and was able to get some relief. She then proceeded to pull out the second set and cruise in the third to defeat the 25th-seeded Romanian 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 in two hours, 21 minutes. “When I actually threw up on the court, that was like a little bit embarrassing,” said Gauff after the match. ” … I’m someone who doesn’t like to pull out (of matches). I don’t like to do that unless I really feel like I have no other options. So the plan was to always just try to finish, even if it ended up with me just playing just to get through it.” Gauff recorded her eighth three-set match win of the year, third on tour behind Jessica Pegula (10) and Magda Linette of Poland (nine). Cirstea, who is retiring at the end of the 2026 season, led 4-3 in the second after breaking Gauff for the sixth time in nine return games. But Gauff broke her opponent at love and captured the set on her second set point against Cirstea’s serve. Gauff won 36 of 60 third-set points to advance to the fourth round, where she will face No. 13 Linda Noskova. The Czech advanced in a walkover and did not have to face Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova, who is also suffering from the illness. Polish No. 4 seed Iga Swiatek retired in the third set on Saturday vs. Ann Li, also unable to overcome illness. Gauff reached the finals of last year’s Madrid Open, but lost to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) in straight sets. Another player nearly as hot as Sabalenka –who is 25-1 in 2026 — is Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, who eliminated No. 5 Jessica Pegula, 6-1, 6-4 in only 73 minutes. Kostyuk has won eight consecutive matches and comes in off a title in Rouen, France. “I think I’m definitely enjoying playing tennis since I got injured in the Australian Open,” said Kostyuk. “I’m very happy with the progress that we’re making as a team, and I think that’s all that matters. “I’ve never had such a long winning streak in my career, so we must be doing something right.” The 26th-seeded Kostyuk produced 20 winners against Pegula, who responded with only nine. She also saved 10 break points. Kostyuk will face Caty McNally, who edged Czech Katerina Siniakova, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (2). In other three-setters, second-seeded Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan rallied to knock off No. 32 Qinwen Zhang of China, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic upset No. 19 Elise Mertens of Belgium, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (3), Austria’s Anastasia Potapova outlasted No. 21 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 and Argentina’s Sorana Sierra sprinted past Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez, 0-6, 6-2, 6-3. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Coco #Gauff #battles #illness #tough #opponent #advances #Madrid

Defending champion East Bengal FC extended its lead at the top with a 3-1 win against Sribhumi FC in their Indian Women’s League 2025-26 match at the East Bengal Ground in Kolkata on Monday.

Fazila Ikwaput’s hat-trick secured three points, taking the Moshal Girls to 21 points from seven matches. The Ugandan striker took her IWL goals tally to 54, overtaking Ngangom Bala Devi, with 51 goals, to become the competition’s second-highest scorer behind Sabitra Bhandari (60). Rimpa Haldar scored Sribhumi’s lone goal.

East Bengal dominated from the outset with an aggressive press and direct attacking play. Ikwaput found the net early on, but was denied by the offside flag.

The Ugandan remained a constant threat and was rewarded in the 37th minute when a long ball towards her was misjudged by Toijam Thoibisana Chanu, whose attempted header fell kindly for Ikwaput. She calmly slotted past the advancing Monalisha.

ALSO READ | Chennaiyin FC’s fall from grace: Why has the two-time ISL champion struggled to recreate past glory?

East Bengal struck again within a minute of the restart. Ikwaput surged forward, cut inside, and curled a precise effort into the bottom-right corner to make it 2-0.

Ikwaput completed her hat-trick on the hour mark, turning sharply under pressure before lashing the ball past Monalisha for 3-0.

The visitors pulled one back in the 80th minute following a midfield error. Nameirakpam Arina Devi drove forward and set up Rimpa, who finished clinically past Panthoi.

It was only the second goal conceded by East Bengal in the league this season.

This was the first match of Phase 2, after 27 matches were played from December 20, 2025, to January 9, 2026. The league took a hiatus of more than three months to allow player availability for the senior and Under-20 women’s national teams camps for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March and the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup in April.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#IWL #Fazila #Ikwaput #hattrick #powers #East #Bengal #Sribhumi #phase #begins">IWL 2025-26: Fazila Ikwaput hat-trick powers East Bengal past Sribhumi FC as second phase begins Defending champion East Bengal FC extended its lead at the top with a 3-1 win against Sribhumi FC in their Indian Women’s League 2025-26 match at the East Bengal Ground in Kolkata on Monday.Fazila Ikwaput’s hat-trick secured three points, taking the Moshal Girls to 21 points from seven matches. The Ugandan striker took her IWL goals tally to 54, overtaking Ngangom Bala Devi, with 51 goals, to become the competition’s second-highest scorer behind Sabitra Bhandari (60). Rimpa Haldar scored Sribhumi’s lone goal.East Bengal dominated from the outset with an aggressive press and direct attacking play. Ikwaput found the net early on, but was denied by the offside flag.The Ugandan remained a constant threat and was rewarded in the 37th minute when a long ball towards her was misjudged by Toijam Thoibisana Chanu, whose attempted header fell kindly for Ikwaput. She calmly slotted past the advancing Monalisha.ALSO READ | Chennaiyin FC’s fall from grace: Why has the two-time ISL champion struggled to recreate past glory?East Bengal struck again within a minute of the restart. Ikwaput surged forward, cut inside, and curled a precise effort into the bottom-right corner to make it 2-0.Ikwaput completed her hat-trick on the hour mark, turning sharply under pressure before lashing the ball past Monalisha for 3-0.The visitors pulled one back in the 80th minute following a midfield error. Nameirakpam Arina Devi drove forward and set up Rimpa, who finished clinically past Panthoi.It was only the second goal conceded by East Bengal in the league this season.This was the first match of Phase 2, after 27 matches were played from December 20, 2025, to January 9, 2026. The league took a hiatus of more than three months to allow player availability for the senior and Under-20 women’s national teams camps for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March and the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup in April.Published on Apr 27, 2026 #IWL #Fazila #Ikwaput #hattrick #powers #East #Bengal #Sribhumi #phase #begins

Chennaiyin FC’s fall from grace: Why has the two-time ISL champion struggled to recreate past glory?

East Bengal struck again within a minute of the restart. Ikwaput surged forward, cut inside, and curled a precise effort into the bottom-right corner to make it 2-0.

Ikwaput completed her hat-trick on the hour mark, turning sharply under pressure before lashing the ball past Monalisha for 3-0.

The visitors pulled one back in the 80th minute following a midfield error. Nameirakpam Arina Devi drove forward and set up Rimpa, who finished clinically past Panthoi.

It was only the second goal conceded by East Bengal in the league this season.

This was the first match of Phase 2, after 27 matches were played from December 20, 2025, to January 9, 2026. The league took a hiatus of more than three months to allow player availability for the senior and Under-20 women’s national teams camps for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March and the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup in April.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#IWL #Fazila #Ikwaput #hattrick #powers #East #Bengal #Sribhumi #phase #begins">IWL 2025-26: Fazila Ikwaput hat-trick powers East Bengal past Sribhumi FC as second phase begins

Defending champion East Bengal FC extended its lead at the top with a 3-1 win against Sribhumi FC in their Indian Women’s League 2025-26 match at the East Bengal Ground in Kolkata on Monday.

Fazila Ikwaput’s hat-trick secured three points, taking the Moshal Girls to 21 points from seven matches. The Ugandan striker took her IWL goals tally to 54, overtaking Ngangom Bala Devi, with 51 goals, to become the competition’s second-highest scorer behind Sabitra Bhandari (60). Rimpa Haldar scored Sribhumi’s lone goal.

East Bengal dominated from the outset with an aggressive press and direct attacking play. Ikwaput found the net early on, but was denied by the offside flag.

The Ugandan remained a constant threat and was rewarded in the 37th minute when a long ball towards her was misjudged by Toijam Thoibisana Chanu, whose attempted header fell kindly for Ikwaput. She calmly slotted past the advancing Monalisha.

ALSO READ | Chennaiyin FC’s fall from grace: Why has the two-time ISL champion struggled to recreate past glory?

East Bengal struck again within a minute of the restart. Ikwaput surged forward, cut inside, and curled a precise effort into the bottom-right corner to make it 2-0.

Ikwaput completed her hat-trick on the hour mark, turning sharply under pressure before lashing the ball past Monalisha for 3-0.

The visitors pulled one back in the 80th minute following a midfield error. Nameirakpam Arina Devi drove forward and set up Rimpa, who finished clinically past Panthoi.

It was only the second goal conceded by East Bengal in the league this season.

This was the first match of Phase 2, after 27 matches were played from December 20, 2025, to January 9, 2026. The league took a hiatus of more than three months to allow player availability for the senior and Under-20 women’s national teams camps for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March and the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup in April.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#IWL #Fazila #Ikwaput #hattrick #powers #East #Bengal #Sribhumi #phase #begins

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