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Deadspin | Report: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts signs franchise tag, arrives for workouts Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has signed his franchise tender and will participate in voluntary workouts, NFL Network reported on Tuesday. He will be under contract with the Falcons for 2026 on a one-year deal worth .045 million. He still can potentially sign a multi-year contract with the Falcons by July 15, the deadline for players on the franchise tag. Pitts, 25, was voted to the All-Pro second team in 2025, when he recorded career highs of 88 receptions, 118 targets and five touchdowns while totaling 928 yards. The new coaching staff headed by Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will retain Pitts as a primary receiving option alongside receiver Drake London. Pitts has played for two different head coaches, two offensive coordinators and a variety of quarterbacks, including Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins last season. The Falcons signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract last month. Pitts has 284 receptions on 451 targets for 3,579 yards and 15 TDs in 78 career games (72 starts) since being selected by the Falcons with the fourth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. He made the 2021 All-Rookie team and was selected to the Pro Bowl that season — his only 1,000-yard campaign. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Falcons #Kyle #Pitts #signs #franchise #tag #arrives #workouts

Deadspin | Report: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts signs franchise tag, arrives for workouts
Deadspin | Report: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts signs franchise tag, arrives for workouts Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has signed his franchise tender and will participate in voluntary workouts, NFL Network reported on Tuesday. He will be under contract with the Falcons for 2026 on a one-year deal worth .045 million. He still can potentially sign a multi-year contract with the Falcons by July 15, the deadline for players on the franchise tag. Pitts, 25, was voted to the All-Pro second team in 2025, when he recorded career highs of 88 receptions, 118 targets and five touchdowns while totaling 928 yards. The new coaching staff headed by Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will retain Pitts as a primary receiving option alongside receiver Drake London. Pitts has played for two different head coaches, two offensive coordinators and a variety of quarterbacks, including Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins last season. The Falcons signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract last month. Pitts has 284 receptions on 451 targets for 3,579 yards and 15 TDs in 78 career games (72 starts) since being selected by the Falcons with the fourth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. He made the 2021 All-Rookie team and was selected to the Pro Bowl that season — his only 1,000-yard campaign. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Falcons #Kyle #Pitts #signs #franchise #tag #arrives #workoutsDec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has signed his franchise tender and will participate in voluntary workouts, NFL Network reported on Tuesday.

He will be under contract with the Falcons for 2026 on a one-year deal worth $15.045 million. He still can potentially sign a multi-year contract with the Falcons by July 15, the deadline for players on the franchise tag.

Pitts, 25, was voted to the All-Pro second team in 2025, when he recorded career highs of 88 receptions, 118 targets and five touchdowns while totaling 928 yards.


The new coaching staff headed by Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will retain Pitts as a primary receiving option alongside receiver Drake London.

Pitts has played for two different head coaches, two offensive coordinators and a variety of quarterbacks, including Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins last season. The Falcons signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract last month.

Pitts has 284 receptions on 451 targets for 3,579 yards and 15 TDs in 78 career games (72 starts) since being selected by the Falcons with the fourth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

He made the 2021 All-Rookie team and was selected to the Pro Bowl that season — his only 1,000-yard campaign.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #Falcons #Kyle #Pitts #signs #franchise #tag #arrives #workouts

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Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has signed his franchise tender and will participate in voluntary workouts, NFL Network reported on Tuesday.

He will be under contract with the Falcons for 2026 on a one-year deal worth $15.045 million. He still can potentially sign a multi-year contract with the Falcons by July 15, the deadline for players on the franchise tag.

Pitts, 25, was voted to the All-Pro second team in 2025, when he recorded career highs of 88 receptions, 118 targets and five touchdowns while totaling 928 yards.

The new coaching staff headed by Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will retain Pitts as a primary receiving option alongside receiver Drake London.

Pitts has played for two different head coaches, two offensive coordinators and a variety of quarterbacks, including Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins last season. The Falcons signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract last month.

Pitts has 284 receptions on 451 targets for 3,579 yards and 15 TDs in 78 career games (72 starts) since being selected by the Falcons with the fourth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

He made the 2021 All-Rookie team and was selected to the Pro Bowl that season — his only 1,000-yard campaign.

–Field Level Media

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ISL 2025-26: Planas punishes Chennaiyin errors to give Inter Kashi much-needed win <div id="content-body-70835547" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Defensive errors were at the forefront as Chennaiyin FC fell to a 1-2 loss against Inter Kashi in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.</p><p>Coming off three consecutive losses, Kashi snapped back and proved critical when it mattered as Alfred Planas grabbed a brace early in the second half while Daniel Chima Chukwu scored a consolation goal in stoppage time for CFC.</p><p>With a loss sure to deepen the worries of relegation, both sides began the game on a cautious note, with CFC maintaining long but fruitless spells of possession. On the other hand, despite CFC head coach Clifford Miranda predicting his counterpart, Antonio Lopez Habas, to be direct, the Spaniard’s players appeared satisfied sitting back and letting the game come to them.</p><p><b>CFC vs IKFC</b> – <b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/matchcentre/indian-super-league/2626393/chennaiyin-vs-inter-kashi/750/2025/" target="_blank">As it happened</a></b></p><p>Mohammed Ali Bemammer’s return to the starting 11 after being out injured in the previous match aided CFC as he combined with skipper Alberto Noguera to continuously win possession in the middle of the park. However, the duo’s periodical long balls over the top went largely unattended by his forward line.</p><p>CFC’s frontmen Farukh Choudhary and Ingio Martinez were mere spectators in the first 45, apart from attempting a couple of long-range strikes that carried no real threat.</p><p>For all of CFC’s possession, it was Kashi that registered the first shot on target in the first minute of the first half added time, after Sergio Llamas whipped in a corner. CFC’s defence, which had been solid until then, failed to clear away the ball, allowing Wayne Vaz to poke the ball from close range. CFC custodian Mohammad Nawaz went down quickly to his right to scoop the ball away only as far as Rohit Danu, whose chip back into the middle was heroically cleared off the line by Imran Khan.</p><p>It was warning sign as the visitor managed to break the deadlock before the spectators could return to their seats after the interval. Less than a minute after the restart, Danu won the ball deep in CFC’s half and played it into the middle from the left. Llamas’ poor first touch seemed to have given CFC some reprieve, but Bemmamer failed to clear his lines as the ball fell to Planas, who produced a gorgeous sidefoot volley on the edge of the area to send the ball past a diving Nawaz.</p><p>Smelling blood, Kashi continued to keep its foot on the pedal, and eight minutes later, it was leading by two. Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, who received his first start of the season, kicked the air while attempting a standard clearance, handing the ball on a plate to Ashish Jha. The winger held off pressure to lay it off to Planas, who took a couple of touches forward before effortlessly slotting it into the back of the net.</p><p>The abrupt deficit prompted Miranda to bring on Maheson Singh Tongbram and Daniel Chima Chukwu, among others, with the latter’s introduction bringing out hopeful cries from the home support.</p><p>There was a sudden shift in tempo, and CFC finally forced a save out of Shubham Das on the hour mark after Farukh tried his luck with his left-footed strike from outside the box.</p><p>CFC’s dominance on the ball continued, this time primarily in the opposition half, with fullbacks Laldinliana R and Mandar Rao Dessai overloading the Kashi box with their deliveries. However, Habas’ backline was equally up for the challenge, stopping the opposition from having any clear sight at goal.</p><p>A mix-up in the box, however, allowed the host to get one back in the fifth minute of added time with Chukwu smashing the ball in from close range. But it was too little too late as Kashi saw the game out to walk away with all three points and climb to eighth in the standings while CFC dropped one place to 11.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 07, 2026</p></div> #ISL #Planas #punishes #Chennaiyin #errors #give #Inter #Kashi #muchneeded #win

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Deadspin | Surprise HR by Jonatan Clase propels Jays past Giants Jul 7, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Jonatan Clase (8) celebrates his home run during the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images Jonatan Clase hit a three-run home run in his first start of the season, Sean Keys contributed a two-RBI single to a five-run third inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays evened their three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants with a 9-3 victory Tuesday night. Ernie Clement had a three-hit game while Clase, Keys and Brandon Valenzuela collected two hits apiece for the Blue Jays, who broke out of an offensive slump with a 13-hit attack. Toronto had entered the game on a three-game losing streak, during which it was shut out twice and scored just one run. Clase, who was promoted to the Blue Jays for the first time this season last week as George Springer went on paternity leave, gave Toronto a lead it would never relinquish with his home run in the second inning after singles by Valenzuela and Keys. The 24-year-old had been given just one at-bat as a late-game pinch hitter last Saturday in Seattle before taking Giants starter Trevor McDonald (3-7) deep for his fourth career home run. The Giants got one run back on an infield single by Victor Bericoto in the bottom of the second before the Blue Jays busted the game open with their five-run third. Six of the batters McDonald faced in the inning recorded singles, including Keys’ two-run hit and run-scorig blows by Valenzuela and Andres Gimenez. McDonald was pulled after 2 1/3 innings, charged with eight runs on 11 hits. He walked one without a strikeout. Blue Jays starter Spencer Miles allowed a second run on a Rafael Devers double play grounder before calling it a night after four innings, during which he allowed seven hits. He struck out one. Because Miles failed to go the required five innings, Patrick Corbin (3-4) was credited with the win after throwing 2 1/3 innings of two-hit ball. He served up the Giants’ final run on an RBI double by Luis Arraez. The Blue Jays capped the game’s scoring in the ninth when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. grounded into a double play that plated Clement. Clase, Keys and Valenzuela scored twice for the Blue Jays, who were thumped 10-1 in the series opener Monday. Heliot Ramos singled twice and scored twice for the Giants, who have alternated losses and wins in their last seven games. Arraez also had two hits. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Surprise #Jonatan #Clase #propels #Jays #GiantsJul 7, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Jonatan Clase (8) celebrates his home run during the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

Jonatan Clase hit a three-run home run in his first start of the season, Sean Keys contributed a two-RBI single to a five-run third inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays evened their three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants with a 9-3 victory Tuesday night.

Ernie Clement had a three-hit game while Clase, Keys and Brandon Valenzuela collected two hits apiece for the Blue Jays, who broke out of an offensive slump with a 13-hit attack.

Toronto had entered the game on a three-game losing streak, during which it was shut out twice and scored just one run.

Clase, who was promoted to the Blue Jays for the first time this season last week as George Springer went on paternity leave, gave Toronto a lead it would never relinquish with his home run in the second inning after singles by Valenzuela and Keys.

The 24-year-old had been given just one at-bat as a late-game pinch hitter last Saturday in Seattle before taking Giants starter Trevor McDonald (3-7) deep for his fourth career home run.

The Giants got one run back on an infield single by Victor Bericoto in the bottom of the second before the Blue Jays busted the game open with their five-run third.


Six of the batters McDonald faced in the inning recorded singles, including Keys’ two-run hit and run-scorig blows by Valenzuela and Andres Gimenez.

McDonald was pulled after 2 1/3 innings, charged with eight runs on 11 hits. He walked one without a strikeout.

Blue Jays starter Spencer Miles allowed a second run on a Rafael Devers double play grounder before calling it a night after four innings, during which he allowed seven hits. He struck out one.

Because Miles failed to go the required five innings, Patrick Corbin (3-4) was credited with the win after throwing 2 1/3 innings of two-hit ball. He served up the Giants’ final run on an RBI double by Luis Arraez.

The Blue Jays capped the game’s scoring in the ninth when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. grounded into a double play that plated Clement.

Clase, Keys and Valenzuela scored twice for the Blue Jays, who were thumped 10-1 in the series opener Monday.

Heliot Ramos singled twice and scored twice for the Giants, who have alternated losses and wins in their last seven games. Arraez also had two hits.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Surprise #Jonatan #Clase #propels #Jays #Giants">Deadspin | Surprise HR by Jonatan Clase propels Jays past Giants Jul 7, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Jonatan Clase (8) celebrates his home run during the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images Jonatan Clase hit a three-run home run in his first start of the season, Sean Keys contributed a two-RBI single to a five-run third inning, and the Toronto Blue Jays evened their three-game road series against the San Francisco Giants with a 9-3 victory Tuesday night. Ernie Clement had a three-hit game while Clase, Keys and Brandon Valenzuela collected two hits apiece for the Blue Jays, who broke out of an offensive slump with a 13-hit attack. Toronto had entered the game on a three-game losing streak, during which it was shut out twice and scored just one run. Clase, who was promoted to the Blue Jays for the first time this season last week as George Springer went on paternity leave, gave Toronto a lead it would never relinquish with his home run in the second inning after singles by Valenzuela and Keys. The 24-year-old had been given just one at-bat as a late-game pinch hitter last Saturday in Seattle before taking Giants starter Trevor McDonald (3-7) deep for his fourth career home run. The Giants got one run back on an infield single by Victor Bericoto in the bottom of the second before the Blue Jays busted the game open with their five-run third. Six of the batters McDonald faced in the inning recorded singles, including Keys’ two-run hit and run-scorig blows by Valenzuela and Andres Gimenez. McDonald was pulled after 2 1/3 innings, charged with eight runs on 11 hits. He walked one without a strikeout. Blue Jays starter Spencer Miles allowed a second run on a Rafael Devers double play grounder before calling it a night after four innings, during which he allowed seven hits. He struck out one. Because Miles failed to go the required five innings, Patrick Corbin (3-4) was credited with the win after throwing 2 1/3 innings of two-hit ball. He served up the Giants’ final run on an RBI double by Luis Arraez. The Blue Jays capped the game’s scoring in the ninth when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. grounded into a double play that plated Clement. Clase, Keys and Valenzuela scored twice for the Blue Jays, who were thumped 10-1 in the series opener Monday. Heliot Ramos singled twice and scored twice for the Giants, who have alternated losses and wins in their last seven games. Arraez also had two hits. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Surprise #Jonatan #Clase #propels #Jays #Giants

#Egypts #World #Cup #loss #compared #Falcons #debacle">Egypt’s World Cup loss is being compared to the Falcons’ 28-3 debacle It’s been almost a decade, but the Atlanta Falcons still aren’t living down the horrific memories of their 28-3 Super Bowl collapse against the New England Patriots. Just when you think there’s no possible way for the Falcons to catch a stray during the World Cup, Argentina vs. Egypt happens — in Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, no less.Egypt legitimately looked like a team about to pull off the upset of the tournament up 2-0 with less than 30 minutes to go. Then, in the span of four minutes, Argentina roared back to life with two goals from Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi to even the score. It’s here the comparisons began.The collapse was seemingly unstoppable. Egypt were reeling, clearly panicking from the back-to-back goals, then Enzo Fernandez drove the dagger in stoppage time to give Argentina a 3-2 comeback win. If there was ever time for a perfect social media post it was now, and we got one.Two teams who wear red and black, both about to pull off a stunning upset that nobody saw coming, both with huge, seemingly insurmountable leads — both crumbling into dust. There’s only one thing left in a moment like this, and that’s to hear from someone with intimate knowledge of the legendary 28-3 collapse.On the plus side Falcons fans, if Brady himself says Egypt’s loss in Atlanta was worse than y’alls then he might have exorcised a few demons? I guess that’s the only bright side for this one I can think of. #Egypts #World #Cup #loss #compared #Falcons #debacle

Novak Djokovic ​reached an eighth straight Wimbledon semifinal after grinding down Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) in ‌an epic battle on Tuesday to set up a showdown with reigning champion Jannik ​Sinner.

Having surpassed Roger Federer for most match victories at the All England Club ⁠with his 106th win in the last round, the 39-year-old eclipsed the Swiss again by becoming the first man to reach the last four eight straight times.

Djokovic got there by coming through the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, ‌at five hours and 15 minutes, with a gutsy display against a determined opponent who proved hard to break down for much of the contest.

“I won with a ‌racket and a lot of heart,” Djokovic said.

“I guess it’s the management of the nerves ‌and ⁠the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches. Towards the end, it ⁠was anybody’s game. The scoreline was even all the way through. It was anybody’s game in the super tiebreak in the fifth.

“What can I say? I mean, these are kinds of moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it ​was the final, you know, so I ‌don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow. But yeah… I’m happy that I won.”

ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER CLASH WITH SINNER

Djokovic’s hunt for an eighth crown to match retired rival Federer and a 25th major trophy to move past Australian Margaret Court will continue when he ‌meets Sinner in what promises to be another blockbuster chapter in their rivalry.

RELATED | Sinner aces Struff challenge to advance to semis

“It’s just another ​semifinal for me. I’m going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” he said.

“Right now, it’s all business. I still have to ⁠recover. I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days.”

Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tiebreak, and had ‌the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won.

A double fault from Djokovic gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 p.m. local time.

DJOKOVIC COMPOSED AFTER COMPLAINTS

The move prompted complaints from Djokovic, but he composed himself as the third set got underway ‌and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten his grip on the match.

Auger-Aliassime ​lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil over when he whacked his chair with his racket, but put up a brave ⁠display and got back on level terms via the tiebreak to force a decider.

There was no separating ⁠the pair for 12 games of the final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tiebreak to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from ‌a thoroughly-entertained crowd.

“You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set but they didn’t want to listen,” Djokovic added.

“I’m glad they stayed up, because it ​was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court, in my career.”

Published on Jul 08, 2026

#Wimbledon #Racket #heart #Djokovic #tames #AugerAliassime #enter #semifinals">Wimbledon 2026: ‘Racket and heart’ as Djokovic tames Auger-Aliassime to enter semifinals Novak Djokovic ​reached an eighth straight Wimbledon semifinal after grinding down Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) in ‌an epic battle on Tuesday to set up a showdown with reigning champion Jannik ​Sinner.Having surpassed Roger Federer for most match victories at the All England Club ⁠with his 106th win in the last round, the 39-year-old eclipsed the Swiss again by becoming the first man to reach the last four eight straight times.Djokovic got there by coming through the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, ‌at five hours and 15 minutes, with a gutsy display against a determined opponent who proved hard to break down for much of the contest.“I won with a ‌racket and a lot of heart,” Djokovic said.“I guess it’s the management of the nerves ‌and ⁠the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches. Towards the end, it ⁠was anybody’s game. The scoreline was even all the way through. It was anybody’s game in the super tiebreak in the fifth.“What can I say? I mean, these are kinds of moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it ​was the final, you know, so I ‌don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow. But yeah… I’m happy that I won.”ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER CLASH WITH SINNERDjokovic’s hunt for an eighth crown to match retired rival Federer and a 25th major trophy to move past Australian Margaret Court will continue when he ‌meets Sinner in what promises to be another blockbuster chapter in their rivalry.RELATED | Sinner aces Struff challenge to advance to semis“It’s just another ​semifinal for me. I’m going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” he said.“Right now, it’s all business. I still have to ⁠recover. I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days.”Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tiebreak, and had ‌the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won.A double fault from Djokovic gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 p.m. local time.DJOKOVIC COMPOSED AFTER COMPLAINTSThe move prompted complaints from Djokovic, but he composed himself as the third set got underway ‌and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten his grip on the match.Auger-Aliassime ​lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil over when he whacked his chair with his racket, but put up a brave ⁠display and got back on level terms via the tiebreak to force a decider.There was no separating ⁠the pair for 12 games of the final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tiebreak to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from ‌a thoroughly-entertained crowd.“You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set but they didn’t want to listen,” Djokovic added.“I’m glad they stayed up, because it ​was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court, in my career.”Published on Jul 08, 2026 #Wimbledon #Racket #heart #Djokovic #tames #AugerAliassime #enter #semifinals

Sinner aces Struff challenge to advance to semis

“It’s just another ​semifinal for me. I’m going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” he said.

“Right now, it’s all business. I still have to ⁠recover. I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days.”

Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tiebreak, and had ‌the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won.

A double fault from Djokovic gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 p.m. local time.

DJOKOVIC COMPOSED AFTER COMPLAINTS

The move prompted complaints from Djokovic, but he composed himself as the third set got underway ‌and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten his grip on the match.

Auger-Aliassime ​lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil over when he whacked his chair with his racket, but put up a brave ⁠display and got back on level terms via the tiebreak to force a decider.

There was no separating ⁠the pair for 12 games of the final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tiebreak to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from ‌a thoroughly-entertained crowd.

“You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set but they didn’t want to listen,” Djokovic added.

“I’m glad they stayed up, because it ​was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court, in my career.”

Published on Jul 08, 2026

#Wimbledon #Racket #heart #Djokovic #tames #AugerAliassime #enter #semifinals">Wimbledon 2026: ‘Racket and heart’ as Djokovic tames Auger-Aliassime to enter semifinals

Novak Djokovic ​reached an eighth straight Wimbledon semifinal after grinding down Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(10-4) in ‌an epic battle on Tuesday to set up a showdown with reigning champion Jannik ​Sinner.

Having surpassed Roger Federer for most match victories at the All England Club ⁠with his 106th win in the last round, the 39-year-old eclipsed the Swiss again by becoming the first man to reach the last four eight straight times.

Djokovic got there by coming through the longest quarterfinal in Wimbledon history, ‌at five hours and 15 minutes, with a gutsy display against a determined opponent who proved hard to break down for much of the contest.

“I won with a ‌racket and a lot of heart,” Djokovic said.

“I guess it’s the management of the nerves ‌and ⁠the extreme tension you feel in these kinds of matches. Towards the end, it ⁠was anybody’s game. The scoreline was even all the way through. It was anybody’s game in the super tiebreak in the fifth.

“What can I say? I mean, these are kinds of moments that I still play tennis for. I wish it ​was the final, you know, so I ‌don’t need to worry about how the body will feel tomorrow. But yeah… I’m happy that I won.”

ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER CLASH WITH SINNER

Djokovic’s hunt for an eighth crown to match retired rival Federer and a 25th major trophy to move past Australian Margaret Court will continue when he ‌meets Sinner in what promises to be another blockbuster chapter in their rivalry.

RELATED | Sinner aces Struff challenge to advance to semis

“It’s just another ​semifinal for me. I’m going to look at the numbers and everything when I finish my career,” he said.

“Right now, it’s all business. I still have to ⁠recover. I’m still in the tournament, and I have the best player in the world in a few days.”

Djokovic, the seventh seed, chuckled after several missed chances in a long opening-set tiebreak, and had ‌the last laugh when Auger-Aliassime blasted a volley long to surrender a set that he should have comfortably won.

A double fault from Djokovic gifted Auger-Aliassime a break to go up 5-3 in the next set and the Canadian held his nerve and serve in the next game to draw level in the contest, before the Centre Court roof was closed at around 7.40 p.m. local time.

DJOKOVIC COMPOSED AFTER COMPLAINTS

The move prompted complaints from Djokovic, but he composed himself as the third set got underway ‌and produced cleaner ball-striking to finally break Auger-Aliassime in the sixth game and then tighten his grip on the match.

Auger-Aliassime ​lost his opening service game in the fourth set and let his frustrations boil over when he whacked his chair with his racket, but put up a brave ⁠display and got back on level terms via the tiebreak to force a decider.

There was no separating ⁠the pair for 12 games of the final set until Djokovic drew on his experience in the match tiebreak to finally overcome Auger-Aliassime and soak up the deafening applause from ‌a thoroughly-entertained crowd.

“You know, I was telling my kids to go to sleep after the fourth set but they didn’t want to listen,” Djokovic added.

“I’m glad they stayed up, because it ​was, honestly, one of the best matches I was part of on this court, in my career.”

Published on Jul 08, 2026

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