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Deadspin | Twins starter Taj Bradley gears up to face former Rays teammates Apr 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Taj Bradley (26) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jaysduring the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Minnesota right-hander Taj Bradley, once regarded as the Tampa Bay Rays’ No. 1 prospect, will face his old team for the first time since getting sent to the Twins at last year’s trade deadline when the two teams open a three-game series on Friday night in St. Petersburg, Fla. Bradley (3-0, 1.63 ERA), who went 19-25 with a 4.70 ERA over 69 games (67 starts) with the Rays, was shipped to the Twins last July 31 for reliever Griffin Jax. “It will be weird being on the field in a different dugout,” Bradley told mlbbro.com. “I’m excited to be pitching in Tropicana Field for the first time in a year. I get to face teammates of mine and friends. I’ll just have fun with it.” Bradley, a fifth-round pick of Tampa Bay in the 2018 MLB Draft, had an up-and-down three seasons with the Rays. He was the American League Pitcher of the Month in July of 2024 after going 3-1 with a 1.45 ERA in five starts, but from July 31 through Sept. 10, he went 0-6 with an 8.27 ERA. He was 6-6 with a 4.61 ERA in 21 starts for the Rays in 2025 before the trade to Minnesota, where he went 0-2 in six starts, with a 6.61 ERA. Bradley, 25, has bounced back to be one of baseball’s best starters in 2026, ranking third in the American League in ERA (1.63) and striking out 34 batters in 27 2/3 innings. He outdueled two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of Detroit in a 4-2 victory on April 7 at Target Field, allowing one run on six hits over 6 1/3 innings while striking out 10. “Taj is a really talented pitcher,” Rays manager Kevin Cash told the Tampa Bay Times. “Happy for the success, want to see him perform well, want to see him have a great career. “Hopefully, we don’t get the best version of Taj, because we’ve seen it when he’s been in our dugout, that when he’s on he is very tough and very talented, can create a lot of strikeouts.” Bradley has never faced the Rays, and Minnesota stumbles into the series having lost six of its last seven games, including a 10-8 defeat on Thursday night to the Mets in New York. Ryan Jeffers hit a grand slam in the top of the eighth to tie it at 7-7, but Bo Bichette answered with a three-run double in the bottom half to win it for the Mets. Veteran right-hander Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 2.75 ERA) will start the series opener for Tampa Bay, which had a day off Tafter snapping a three-game losing streak with a 6-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Rasmussen is 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in six appearances (three starts) against the Twins. Nick Martinez, who had pitched for the Reds the previous two seasons, picked up his first win with the Rays, allowing one run on five hits over eight innings while striking out six. Junior Caminero hit his sixth homer and Yandy Diaz raised his average to .340, which ranks second in the majors, by going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run. “I love it, man. It’s a lot of fun,” Martinez said. “Obviously, they know what I do well, and they know that I love to compete. … It’s always fun competing against your buddies.” The Rays have dropped three of their last four games. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Twins #starter #Taj #Bradley #gears #face #Rays #teammates

Deadspin | Twins starter Taj Bradley gears up to face former Rays teammates
Deadspin | Twins starter Taj Bradley gears up to face former Rays teammates Apr 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Taj Bradley (26) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jaysduring the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Minnesota right-hander Taj Bradley, once regarded as the Tampa Bay Rays’ No. 1 prospect, will face his old team for the first time since getting sent to the Twins at last year’s trade deadline when the two teams open a three-game series on Friday night in St. Petersburg, Fla. Bradley (3-0, 1.63 ERA), who went 19-25 with a 4.70 ERA over 69 games (67 starts) with the Rays, was shipped to the Twins last July 31 for reliever Griffin Jax. “It will be weird being on the field in a different dugout,” Bradley told mlbbro.com. “I’m excited to be pitching in Tropicana Field for the first time in a year. I get to face teammates of mine and friends. I’ll just have fun with it.” Bradley, a fifth-round pick of Tampa Bay in the 2018 MLB Draft, had an up-and-down three seasons with the Rays. He was the American League Pitcher of the Month in July of 2024 after going 3-1 with a 1.45 ERA in five starts, but from July 31 through Sept. 10, he went 0-6 with an 8.27 ERA. He was 6-6 with a 4.61 ERA in 21 starts for the Rays in 2025 before the trade to Minnesota, where he went 0-2 in six starts, with a 6.61 ERA. Bradley, 25, has bounced back to be one of baseball’s best starters in 2026, ranking third in the American League in ERA (1.63) and striking out 34 batters in 27 2/3 innings. He outdueled two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of Detroit in a 4-2 victory on April 7 at Target Field, allowing one run on six hits over 6 1/3 innings while striking out 10. “Taj is a really talented pitcher,” Rays manager Kevin Cash told the Tampa Bay Times. “Happy for the success, want to see him perform well, want to see him have a great career. “Hopefully, we don’t get the best version of Taj, because we’ve seen it when he’s been in our dugout, that when he’s on he is very tough and very talented, can create a lot of strikeouts.” Bradley has never faced the Rays, and Minnesota stumbles into the series having lost six of its last seven games, including a 10-8 defeat on Thursday night to the Mets in New York. Ryan Jeffers hit a grand slam in the top of the eighth to tie it at 7-7, but Bo Bichette answered with a three-run double in the bottom half to win it for the Mets. Veteran right-hander Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 2.75 ERA) will start the series opener for Tampa Bay, which had a day off Tafter snapping a three-game losing streak with a 6-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Rasmussen is 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in six appearances (three starts) against the Twins. Nick Martinez, who had pitched for the Reds the previous two seasons, picked up his first win with the Rays, allowing one run on five hits over eight innings while striking out six. Junior Caminero hit his sixth homer and Yandy Diaz raised his average to .340, which ranks second in the majors, by going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run. “I love it, man. It’s a lot of fun,” Martinez said. “Obviously, they know what I do well, and they know that I love to compete. … It’s always fun competing against your buddies.” The Rays have dropped three of their last four games. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Twins #starter #Taj #Bradley #gears #face #Rays #teammatesApr 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Taj Bradley (26) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jaysduring the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Minnesota right-hander Taj Bradley, once regarded as the Tampa Bay Rays’ No. 1 prospect, will face his old team for the first time since getting sent to the Twins at last year’s trade deadline when the two teams open a three-game series on Friday night in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Bradley (3-0, 1.63 ERA), who went 19-25 with a 4.70 ERA over 69 games (67 starts) with the Rays, was shipped to the Twins last July 31 for reliever Griffin Jax.

“It will be weird being on the field in a different dugout,” Bradley told mlbbro.com. “I’m excited to be pitching in Tropicana Field for the first time in a year. I get to face teammates of mine and friends. I’ll just have fun with it.”

Bradley, a fifth-round pick of Tampa Bay in the 2018 MLB Draft, had an up-and-down three seasons with the Rays. He was the American League Pitcher of the Month in July of 2024 after going 3-1 with a 1.45 ERA in five starts, but from July 31 through Sept. 10, he went 0-6 with an 8.27 ERA.

He was 6-6 with a 4.61 ERA in 21 starts for the Rays in 2025 before the trade to Minnesota, where he went 0-2 in six starts, with a 6.61 ERA.

Bradley, 25, has bounced back to be one of baseball’s best starters in 2026, ranking third in the American League in ERA (1.63) and striking out 34 batters in 27 2/3 innings. He outdueled two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of Detroit in a 4-2 victory on April 7 at Target Field, allowing one run on six hits over 6 1/3 innings while striking out 10.

“Taj is a really talented pitcher,” Rays manager Kevin Cash told the Tampa Bay Times. “Happy for the success, want to see him perform well, want to see him have a great career.


“Hopefully, we don’t get the best version of Taj, because we’ve seen it when he’s been in our dugout, that when he’s on he is very tough and very talented, can create a lot of strikeouts.”

Bradley has never faced the Rays, and Minnesota stumbles into the series having lost six of its last seven games, including a 10-8 defeat on Thursday night to the Mets in New York.

Ryan Jeffers hit a grand slam in the top of the eighth to tie it at 7-7, but Bo Bichette answered with a three-run double in the bottom half to win it for the Mets.

Veteran right-hander Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 2.75 ERA) will start the series opener for Tampa Bay, which had a day off Tafter snapping a three-game losing streak with a 6-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Rasmussen is 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in six appearances (three starts) against the Twins.

Nick Martinez, who had pitched for the Reds the previous two seasons, picked up his first win with the Rays, allowing one run on five hits over eight innings while striking out six. Junior Caminero hit his sixth homer and Yandy Diaz raised his average to .340, which ranks second in the majors, by going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run.

“I love it, man. It’s a lot of fun,” Martinez said. “Obviously, they know what I do well, and they know that I love to compete. … It’s always fun competing against your buddies.”

The Rays have dropped three of their last four games.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Twins #starter #Taj #Bradley #gears #face #Rays #teammates

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Apr 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Taj Bradley (26) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jaysduring the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Minnesota right-hander Taj Bradley, once regarded as the Tampa Bay Rays’ No. 1 prospect, will face his old team for the first time since getting sent to the Twins at last year’s trade deadline when the two teams open a three-game series on Friday night in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Bradley (3-0, 1.63 ERA), who went 19-25 with a 4.70 ERA over 69 games (67 starts) with the Rays, was shipped to the Twins last July 31 for reliever Griffin Jax.

“It will be weird being on the field in a different dugout,” Bradley told mlbbro.com. “I’m excited to be pitching in Tropicana Field for the first time in a year. I get to face teammates of mine and friends. I’ll just have fun with it.”

Bradley, a fifth-round pick of Tampa Bay in the 2018 MLB Draft, had an up-and-down three seasons with the Rays. He was the American League Pitcher of the Month in July of 2024 after going 3-1 with a 1.45 ERA in five starts, but from July 31 through Sept. 10, he went 0-6 with an 8.27 ERA.

He was 6-6 with a 4.61 ERA in 21 starts for the Rays in 2025 before the trade to Minnesota, where he went 0-2 in six starts, with a 6.61 ERA.

Bradley, 25, has bounced back to be one of baseball’s best starters in 2026, ranking third in the American League in ERA (1.63) and striking out 34 batters in 27 2/3 innings. He outdueled two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of Detroit in a 4-2 victory on April 7 at Target Field, allowing one run on six hits over 6 1/3 innings while striking out 10.

“Taj is a really talented pitcher,” Rays manager Kevin Cash told the Tampa Bay Times. “Happy for the success, want to see him perform well, want to see him have a great career.

“Hopefully, we don’t get the best version of Taj, because we’ve seen it when he’s been in our dugout, that when he’s on he is very tough and very talented, can create a lot of strikeouts.”

Bradley has never faced the Rays, and Minnesota stumbles into the series having lost six of its last seven games, including a 10-8 defeat on Thursday night to the Mets in New York.

Ryan Jeffers hit a grand slam in the top of the eighth to tie it at 7-7, but Bo Bichette answered with a three-run double in the bottom half to win it for the Mets.

Veteran right-hander Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 2.75 ERA) will start the series opener for Tampa Bay, which had a day off Tafter snapping a three-game losing streak with a 6-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Rasmussen is 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in six appearances (three starts) against the Twins.

Nick Martinez, who had pitched for the Reds the previous two seasons, picked up his first win with the Rays, allowing one run on five hits over eight innings while striking out six. Junior Caminero hit his sixth homer and Yandy Diaz raised his average to .340, which ranks second in the majors, by going 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run.

“I love it, man. It’s a lot of fun,” Martinez said. “Obviously, they know what I do well, and they know that I love to compete. … It’s always fun competing against your buddies.”

The Rays have dropped three of their last four games.

–Field Level Media

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IFL 2025-26: Sreenidi strikes twice in stoppage time to climb second; Rajasthan remains fourth <div id="content-body-70903174" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Two stoppage-time goals in the space of three minutes engineered a late turnaround as Sreenidi Deccan FC snatched a 2-1 win over 10-man Rajasthan United FC in its I-League 2025-26 Championship Phase match at the Namdhari Football Stadium.</p><p>The result helped the Deccan Warriors move to second place, while Rajasthan United was left to rue Shafeel PP’s red card that shifted the momentum. It remained fourth with its title hopes dented.</p><p>The match began scrappily, with both sides taking time to settle in the heat. Sreenidi Deccan enjoyed more of the early possession, but Rajasthan United gradually found control in midfield after the first quarter.</p><p>Rajasthan United took the lead in the 54th minute when Isaac Nortey struck from a free-kick 40 yards out, finding the top corner with a left-footed effort.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/india-spots-in-afc-asian-champions-league-2-2026-27-indian-super-league-news/article70902893.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">India spots restricted to Asian Champions League 2, despite increase in berths in ACL Elite</a></b></p><p>The turning point came in the 60th minute when Shafeel PP was sent off for a push on Deepak, leaving Rajasthan United to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match.</p><p>Despite the numerical disadvantage, Rajasthan United defended deep and held its lead for long periods, but Sreenidi Deccan found the breakthrough in stoppage time.</p><p>Habib Idrissou equalised in the second minute of added time, heading in from a long throw-in.</p><p>Three minutes later, Castaneda completed the turnaround with a right-footed free-kick from distance, sealing the win.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 24, 2026</p></div> #IFL #Sreenidi #strikes #stoppage #time #climb #Rajasthan #remains #fourth

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Deadspin | Hawks acquire G Aaron Wiggins in trade with Thunder Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Atlanta Hawks acquired guard Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday in exchange for second-round draft picks in 2030 and 2032. Wiggins, 27, was a second-round draft pick by the Thunder in 2021 and made 35 starts the following season as a rookie when he averaged 8.3 points with 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 50 total games. During the Thunder’s championship season of 2024-25, Wiggins made 26 regular-season starts then played in 22 of 23 playoff games as Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game NBA Finals. Wiggins has averaged 8.7 points with 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 339 regular-season games (100 starts) over the past five seasons. He has averaged 4.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 45 playoff games over nine separate series. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hawks #acquire #Aaron #Wiggins #trade #ThunderApr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Hawks acquired guard Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday in exchange for second-round draft picks in 2030 and 2032.

Wiggins, 27, was a second-round draft pick by the Thunder in 2021 and made 35 starts the following season as a rookie when he averaged 8.3 points with 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 50 total games.


During the Thunder’s championship season of 2024-25, Wiggins made 26 regular-season starts then played in 22 of 23 playoff games as Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game NBA Finals.

Wiggins has averaged 8.7 points with 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 339 regular-season games (100 starts) over the past five seasons. He has averaged 4.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 45 playoff games over nine separate series.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hawks #acquire #Aaron #Wiggins #trade #Thunder">Deadspin | Hawks acquire G Aaron Wiggins in trade with Thunder Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Atlanta Hawks acquired guard Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday in exchange for second-round draft picks in 2030 and 2032. Wiggins, 27, was a second-round draft pick by the Thunder in 2021 and made 35 starts the following season as a rookie when he averaged 8.3 points with 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 50 total games. During the Thunder’s championship season of 2024-25, Wiggins made 26 regular-season starts then played in 22 of 23 playoff games as Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game NBA Finals. Wiggins has averaged 8.7 points with 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 339 regular-season games (100 starts) over the past five seasons. He has averaged 4.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 45 playoff games over nine separate series. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hawks #acquire #Aaron #Wiggins #trade #Thunder

It is Chris Gotterup’s world and everyone is just living in it.

Things certainly seem that way as Gotterup picked up his fifth career PGA Tour victory on Sunday at the John Deere Classic. Gotterup began Sunday five shots back of the lead and carded a final round of 62 to take home the win. Pretty impressive stuff.

SILVIS, ILLINOIS - JULY 05: Chris Gotterup of the United States poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the John Deere Classic 2026 at TPC Deere Run on July 05, 2026 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Tyler Clouse/Getty Images)

SILVIS, ILLINOIS – JULY 05: Chris Gotterup of the United States poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the John Deere Classic 2026 at TPC Deere Run on July 05, 2026 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Tyler Clouse/Getty Images)
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Gotterup’s comeback was two strokes shy of the largest in tournament history (Roger Maltbie overcame a 7-shot deficit in 1975), but it was his largest individually as he “only” overcame a four-stroke deficit to win the WM Phoenix Open earlier this season.

The Sony Open was also claimed by Gotterup which means he has three victories on Tour this season. This most recent one comes a week before the Genesis Scottish Open where Gotterup is also reigning champion. Like I said, his world.

Following the Scottish the world of golf will see its final major this year in the Open Championship. Right now Chris Gotterup makes as much sense as anybody.

#Chris #Gotterup #wins #John #Deere #Classic #PGA #Tour #victory">Chris Gotterup wins John Deere Classic for fifth PGA Tour victory It is Chris Gotterup’s world and everyone is just living in it.Things certainly seem that way as Gotterup picked up his fifth career PGA Tour victory on Sunday at the John Deere Classic. Gotterup began Sunday five shots back of the lead and carded a final round of 62 to take home the win. Pretty impressive stuff.SILVIS, ILLINOIS – JULY 05: Chris Gotterup of the United States poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the John Deere Classic 2026 at TPC Deere Run on July 05, 2026 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Tyler Clouse/Getty Images) Getty ImagesGotterup’s comeback was two strokes shy of the largest in tournament history (Roger Maltbie overcame a 7-shot deficit in 1975), but it was his largest individually as he “only” overcame a four-stroke deficit to win the WM Phoenix Open earlier this season.The Sony Open was also claimed by Gotterup which means he has three victories on Tour this season. This most recent one comes a week before the Genesis Scottish Open where Gotterup is also reigning champion. Like I said, his world.Following the Scottish the world of golf will see its final major this year in the Open Championship. Right now Chris Gotterup makes as much sense as anybody. #Chris #Gotterup #wins #John #Deere #Classic #PGA #Tour #victory

SILVIS, ILLINOIS - JULY 05: Chris Gotterup of the United States poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the John Deere Classic 2026 at TPC Deere Run on July 05, 2026 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Tyler Clouse/Getty Images)

SILVIS, ILLINOIS – JULY 05: Chris Gotterup of the United States poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the John Deere Classic 2026 at TPC Deere Run on July 05, 2026 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Tyler Clouse/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Gotterup’s comeback was two strokes shy of the largest in tournament history (Roger Maltbie overcame a 7-shot deficit in 1975), but it was his largest individually as he “only” overcame a four-stroke deficit to win the WM Phoenix Open earlier this season.

The Sony Open was also claimed by Gotterup which means he has three victories on Tour this season. This most recent one comes a week before the Genesis Scottish Open where Gotterup is also reigning champion. Like I said, his world.

Following the Scottish the world of golf will see its final major this year in the Open Championship. Right now Chris Gotterup makes as much sense as anybody.

#Chris #Gotterup #wins #John #Deere #Classic #PGA #Tour #victory">Chris Gotterup wins John Deere Classic for fifth PGA Tour victory

It is Chris Gotterup’s world and everyone is just living in it.

Things certainly seem that way as Gotterup picked up his fifth career PGA Tour victory on Sunday at the John Deere Classic. Gotterup began Sunday five shots back of the lead and carded a final round of 62 to take home the win. Pretty impressive stuff.

SILVIS, ILLINOIS - JULY 05: Chris Gotterup of the United States poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the John Deere Classic 2026 at TPC Deere Run on July 05, 2026 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Tyler Clouse/Getty Images)

SILVIS, ILLINOIS – JULY 05: Chris Gotterup of the United States poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the John Deere Classic 2026 at TPC Deere Run on July 05, 2026 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Tyler Clouse/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Gotterup’s comeback was two strokes shy of the largest in tournament history (Roger Maltbie overcame a 7-shot deficit in 1975), but it was his largest individually as he “only” overcame a four-stroke deficit to win the WM Phoenix Open earlier this season.

The Sony Open was also claimed by Gotterup which means he has three victories on Tour this season. This most recent one comes a week before the Genesis Scottish Open where Gotterup is also reigning champion. Like I said, his world.

Following the Scottish the world of golf will see its final major this year in the Open Championship. Right now Chris Gotterup makes as much sense as anybody.

#Chris #Gotterup #wins #John #Deere #Classic #PGA #Tour #victory

Ukrainian 12th seed Marta Kostyuk booked her place in a maiden Wimbledon quarterfinal on Monday, continuing her excellent run of form with a straight-sets win over qualifier Ashlyn Krueger.

Kostyuk, who enjoyed her best performance at a Grand Slam by reaching the French Open semifinals last month, overturned a 4-2 deficit in the second set to win 6-4, 6-4.

She will next face former finalist Jasmine Paolini of Italy for a last-four place.

Mertens continues strong run

Belgium’s Elise Mertens reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time with a 6-4, 6-4 win against Czech 21st seed Marie Bouzkova on Monday.

Mertens, seeded 25th, followed her shock third round win over second seed Elena Rybakina with another commanding performance at the grass-court Grand Slam.

She is finally into the last eight at the All England Club at the ninth attempt.

The 30-year-old’s only Grand Slam semifinal appearance came at the 2018 Australian Open.

Mertens, a two-time Wimbledon doubles winner, faces Czech ninth seed Linda Noskova or 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the quarterfinals.

Paolini ends Eala’s run in three sets

Jasmine Paolini reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final for two years, edging out rising Filipina star Alexandra Eala in a tense last 16 match at Wimbledon on Monday.

Italian 13th seed Paolini ended the run of Iga Swiatek’s conqueror Eala with a gritty 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory on Centre Court.

“I feel so lucky to have this opportunity and so lucky to get the win,” said Paolini, before addressing the watching Roger Federer in the royal box.

“I just needed to stay focused and don’t think about him (Federer) being here… It’s an amazing feeling to be here right now with the win.”

Paolini will face Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in her first major quarterfinal since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2024, when she lost to Barbora Krejcikova in three sets.

The Italian was also the French Open runner-up to Swiatek in 2024.

She has struggled for most of this season but has rediscovered her form at the All England Club since losing the opening set of her first-round match 6-0.

“After the first set in the first round I was like ‘Okay, it can only go better’… point by point, game by game, I was feeling better,” Paolini added.

The 21-year-old Eala had become the first woman from the Philippines to reach the third and fourth rounds of a Slam, but despite threatening a comeback in the second set, could not get the better of the wily Paolini.

The 30-year-old Paolini clinched a nip-and-tuck opening set with a break, having failed to serve it out in the previous game.

After the players traded early breaks in the second set, 29th seed Eala broke for a 4-3 lead and then held from 0-40 down in the next game.

The left-hander managed to close it out to force a decider.

The vital moment of a nervy third set came when Paolini broke in the eighth game, before serving it out confidently despite falling 0-30 down.

Noskova downs Keys

Czech ninth seed Linda Noskova saw off Madison Keys in straight sets on Monday to reach the Wimbledon last eight for the first time.

The 21-year-old, whose only previous Grand Slam quarter-final came at the 2024 Australian Open, knocked out American 26th seed Keys with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) victory.

Noskova will take on Belgian Elise Mertens for a semifinal place.

Published on Jul 06, 2026

#Wimbledon #Kostyuk #Mertens #enter #maiden #quarterfinals">Wimbledon 2026 — Kostyuk, Mertens enter maiden quarterfinals Ukrainian 12th seed Marta Kostyuk booked her place in a maiden Wimbledon quarterfinal on Monday, continuing her excellent run of form with a straight-sets win over qualifier Ashlyn Krueger.Kostyuk, who enjoyed her best performance at a Grand Slam by reaching the French Open semifinals last month, overturned a 4-2 deficit in the second set to win 6-4, 6-4.She will next face former finalist Jasmine Paolini of Italy for a last-four place.Mertens continues strong runBelgium’s Elise Mertens reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time with a 6-4, 6-4 win against Czech 21st seed Marie Bouzkova on Monday.Mertens, seeded 25th, followed her shock third round win over second seed Elena Rybakina with another commanding performance at the grass-court Grand Slam.She is finally into the last eight at the All England Club at the ninth attempt.The 30-year-old’s only Grand Slam semifinal appearance came at the 2018 Australian Open.Mertens, a two-time Wimbledon doubles winner, faces Czech ninth seed Linda Noskova or 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the quarterfinals.Paolini ends Eala’s run in three setsJasmine Paolini reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final for two years, edging out rising Filipina star Alexandra Eala in a tense last 16 match at Wimbledon on Monday.Italian 13th seed Paolini ended the run of Iga Swiatek’s conqueror Eala with a gritty 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory on Centre Court.“I feel so lucky to have this opportunity and so lucky to get the win,” said Paolini, before addressing the watching Roger Federer in the royal box.“I just needed to stay focused and don’t think about him (Federer) being here… It’s an amazing feeling to be here right now with the win.”Paolini will face Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in her first major quarterfinal since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2024, when she lost to Barbora Krejcikova in three sets.The Italian was also the French Open runner-up to Swiatek in 2024.She has struggled for most of this season but has rediscovered her form at the All England Club since losing the opening set of her first-round match 6-0.“After the first set in the first round I was like ‘Okay, it can only go better’… point by point, game by game, I was feeling better,” Paolini added.The 21-year-old Eala had become the first woman from the Philippines to reach the third and fourth rounds of a Slam, but despite threatening a comeback in the second set, could not get the better of the wily Paolini.The 30-year-old Paolini clinched a nip-and-tuck opening set with a break, having failed to serve it out in the previous game.After the players traded early breaks in the second set, 29th seed Eala broke for a 4-3 lead and then held from 0-40 down in the next game.The left-hander managed to close it out to force a decider.The vital moment of a nervy third set came when Paolini broke in the eighth game, before serving it out confidently despite falling 0-30 down.Noskova downs KeysCzech ninth seed Linda Noskova saw off Madison Keys in straight sets on Monday to reach the Wimbledon last eight for the first time.The 21-year-old, whose only previous Grand Slam quarter-final came at the 2024 Australian Open, knocked out American 26th seed Keys with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) victory.Noskova will take on Belgian Elise Mertens for a semifinal place.Published on Jul 06, 2026 #Wimbledon #Kostyuk #Mertens #enter #maiden #quarterfinals

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