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ISL 2025-26: Second-half goals help FC Goa beat Odisha 3-1  Second-half goals from Dejan Drazic, Pol Moreno and Brison Fernandes helped FC Goa secure a 3-1 victory over Odisha FC, which found a late consolation through Suhair VP, in their Indian Super League 2025-26 match at the PJN Stadium in Margao, on Friday.The Gaurs returned to winning ways after a run of draws and a defeat, climbing to fifth in the standings with 13 points, while OFC slipped to 12th with five points.The opening half was a measured contest, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Rahul KP was the most lively presence for the Juggernauts, testing the Goa defence with two early efforts, while the host found itself caught offside on multiple occasions as it attempted to build attacks.Odisha continued to threaten from a distance, with Rahul forcing a save from debutant goalkeeper Bob Jackson, who showed composure between the posts. At the other end, Udanta Singh came close after a sharp run into the box, but Amrinder Singh stood firm to deny the winger at the near post.Set pieces proved to be a potential avenue for both sides, with Moreno heading straight at the goalkeeper and Subham Bhattacharya missing narrowly, but neither side was able to break the deadlock as the first half ended goalless.ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clashThe tempo increased after the restart, with Odisha coming close to taking the lead around the hour mark. Rahim Ali’s intelligent run created space for Isak Vanlalruatfela, but the forward’s effort was well saved by Bob, who produced a crucial intervention to keep the scores level.FCG responded almost immediately and broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-worked move. Ayush Chhetri delivered a precise ball over the top of the Odisha defence to find Drazic inside the box. A sliding challenge from Carlos Delgado deflected the ball back into Drazic’s path, and the forward showed quick reactions to calmly slot the ball past Amrinder and give the host a 1-0 lead.The host doubled its advantage in the 81st minute through a set piece.  Moreno stepped up to take a free kick from distance and struck a low effort through the wall, the ball taking a couple of bounces before nestling into the bottom-left corner, making it 2-0.FCG sealed the result in stoppage time after Rabeeh was fouled inside the penalty area. Brison stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, placing his shot into the left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.Odisha managed to pull one back moments later when Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Suhair, who finished from close range to make it 3-1. But it was too late as the home side walked away with all three points.Published on Apr 10, 2026  #ISL #Secondhalf #goals #Goa #beat #Odisha

ISL 2025-26: Second-half goals help FC Goa beat Odisha 3-1

Second-half goals from Dejan Drazic, Pol Moreno and Brison Fernandes helped FC Goa secure a 3-1 victory over Odisha FC, which found a late consolation through Suhair VP, in their Indian Super League 2025-26 match at the PJN Stadium in Margao, on Friday.

The Gaurs returned to winning ways after a run of draws and a defeat, climbing to fifth in the standings with 13 points, while OFC slipped to 12th with five points.

The opening half was a measured contest, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Rahul KP was the most lively presence for the Juggernauts, testing the Goa defence with two early efforts, while the host found itself caught offside on multiple occasions as it attempted to build attacks.

Odisha continued to threaten from a distance, with Rahul forcing a save from debutant goalkeeper Bob Jackson, who showed composure between the posts. At the other end, Udanta Singh came close after a sharp run into the box, but Amrinder Singh stood firm to deny the winger at the near post.

Set pieces proved to be a potential avenue for both sides, with Moreno heading straight at the goalkeeper and Subham Bhattacharya missing narrowly, but neither side was able to break the deadlock as the first half ended goalless.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The tempo increased after the restart, with Odisha coming close to taking the lead around the hour mark. Rahim Ali’s intelligent run created space for Isak Vanlalruatfela, but the forward’s effort was well saved by Bob, who produced a crucial intervention to keep the scores level.

FCG responded almost immediately and broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-worked move. Ayush Chhetri delivered a precise ball over the top of the Odisha defence to find Drazic inside the box. A sliding challenge from Carlos Delgado deflected the ball back into Drazic’s path, and the forward showed quick reactions to calmly slot the ball past Amrinder and give the host a 1-0 lead.

The host doubled its advantage in the 81st minute through a set piece. Moreno stepped up to take a free kick from distance and struck a low effort through the wall, the ball taking a couple of bounces before nestling into the bottom-left corner, making it 2-0.

FCG sealed the result in stoppage time after Rabeeh was fouled inside the penalty area. Brison stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, placing his shot into the left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.

Odisha managed to pull one back moments later when Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Suhair, who finished from close range to make it 3-1. But it was too late as the home side walked away with all three points.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Secondhalf #goals #Goa #beat #Odisha

Second-half goals from Dejan Drazic, Pol Moreno and Brison Fernandes helped FC Goa secure a 3-1 victory over Odisha FC, which found a late consolation through Suhair VP, in their Indian Super League 2025-26 match at the PJN Stadium in Margao, on Friday.

The Gaurs returned to winning ways after a run of draws and a defeat, climbing to fifth in the standings with 13 points, while OFC slipped to 12th with five points.

The opening half was a measured contest, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances. Rahul KP was the most lively presence for the Juggernauts, testing the Goa defence with two early efforts, while the host found itself caught offside on multiple occasions as it attempted to build attacks.

Odisha continued to threaten from a distance, with Rahul forcing a save from debutant goalkeeper Bob Jackson, who showed composure between the posts. At the other end, Udanta Singh came close after a sharp run into the box, but Amrinder Singh stood firm to deny the winger at the near post.

Set pieces proved to be a potential avenue for both sides, with Moreno heading straight at the goalkeeper and Subham Bhattacharya missing narrowly, but neither side was able to break the deadlock as the first half ended goalless.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

The tempo increased after the restart, with Odisha coming close to taking the lead around the hour mark. Rahim Ali’s intelligent run created space for Isak Vanlalruatfela, but the forward’s effort was well saved by Bob, who produced a crucial intervention to keep the scores level.

FCG responded almost immediately and broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-worked move. Ayush Chhetri delivered a precise ball over the top of the Odisha defence to find Drazic inside the box. A sliding challenge from Carlos Delgado deflected the ball back into Drazic’s path, and the forward showed quick reactions to calmly slot the ball past Amrinder and give the host a 1-0 lead.

The host doubled its advantage in the 81st minute through a set piece. Moreno stepped up to take a free kick from distance and struck a low effort through the wall, the ball taking a couple of bounces before nestling into the bottom-left corner, making it 2-0.

FCG sealed the result in stoppage time after Rabeeh was fouled inside the penalty area. Brison stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, placing his shot into the left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.

Odisha managed to pull one back moments later when Edwin Vanspaul delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Suhair, who finished from close range to make it 3-1. But it was too late as the home side walked away with all three points.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

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Deadspin | Without star Joel Embiid, Sixers set to visit Pacers <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28695330.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28695330.jpg" alt="NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at Houston Rockets" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (77) and forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) talk with NBA referee Eric Dalen (37) during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images <!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>With an unfortunate development for star Joel Embiid looming over them, the Philadelphia 76ers will try to pull out of a three-game slide when they meet the Indiana Pacers on Friday night in Indianapolis. </p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Philadelphia (43-37) learned that the former NBA MVP needed an appendectomy on Thursday before the team faced the Houston Rockets. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“We had an unbelievable day as a team [on Wednesday]. We had a great practice, a great film session, we were getting up and down the court, and [Embiid] was a part of all of that,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Thursday. “That’s what hits you in the stomach a little bit when you get that news.” </p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Without their standout center, who is out indefinitely, the Sixers lost 113-102 to the Rockets to fall into a virtual tie with the Charlotte Hornets for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Philadelphia and Charlotte both have clinched a postseason berth and have just two games remaining in the regular season as they jockey for postseason positioning. </p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Coming off lopsided losses at home to Detroit last Saturday and at San Antonio on Monday, the Sixers made a few late-game pushes after trailing the Rockets by as many as 28 points. Rookie VJ Edgecombe scored four of his 21 points during an 8-0 run that pulled Philadelphia within five points in the final two minutes before the team ran out of steam.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Edgecombe heads into the final weekend of the regular season having scored in double figures in 10 of the last 11 games, with Thursday marking his sixth game with at least 21 points in that stretch. Edgecombe’s play in March earned him the league Rookie of the Month. </p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>Indiana (19-61) enters Friday’s matchup already doomed to the worst regular-season record in franchise history. Just one year removed from only the second NBA Finals appearance in their existence, the Pacers faced injury woes throughout the 2025-26 campaign. </p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Depleted Indiana pulled out of a three-game losing skid on Thursday, blowing out Brooklyn 123-94. Obi Toppin scored a season-high 26 points to help power Indiana to 80 points in the paint. </p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Toppin’s best outing since returning in late February from a 56-game absence due to a stress fracture in his right foot provides a glimmer of optimism for Indiana looking to turn the page to 2026-27. Another positive for the Pacers this week was the return of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton to 5-on-5 activities. </p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Haliburton sustained an Achilles’ injury in last June’s seventh game of the NBA Finals vs. Oklahoma City, holding him out this entire season and setting the tone for Indiana’s woes. </p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The rash of injuries plaguing the Pacers presented opportunities for other players to make a mark and perhaps position themselves well for the future. One such Pacer to capitalize, Jarace Walker, will close 2025-26 with career-best averages for scoring (11.6 points per game) and rebounding (5.2 per game). </p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Walker also is heading into the closing weekend off of a near-triple-double performance with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists on Thursday.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“Positional size in our league is something you always seek out,” Indiana assistant coach Lloyd Pierce said following Thursday’s win. “And Jarace has great size as a three [small forward]. Any time we can put him in [that] position, he can see the floor, but he also has the ability to pass over defenders.” </p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #star #Joel #Embiid #Sixers #set #visit #Pacers

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Deadspin | Padres continue series vs. Rockies after Xander Bogaerts slam: ‘It’s huge’ <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28698244.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28698244.jpg" alt="MLB: Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 9, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) runs the bases after hitting a walk-off grand slam home run against Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Valente Bellozo (not pictured) in the twelfth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>It would be hard to start a homestand in a more dramatic fashion than the San Diego Padres’ Xander Bogaerts did Thursday night.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The veteran shortstop hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 12th inning to lift the Padres to a 7-3 win over the Colorado Rockies in the opener of the teams’ four-game series.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Bogaerts and host San Diego will aim for an encore on Friday night when they try to secure their sixth win in the past seven games.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“It’s huge, you know? I just tried to get a good swing on it, and it was probably my best swing of the year,” Bogaerts said of the team’s first walk-off slam since Manny Machado did it to the Texas Rangers in August 2020.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The Padres spent much of Thursday night scuffling offensively against what lately has been a good Colorado pitching staff. They managed just five hits in the first nine innings before taking advantage of the automatic runner to score six runs in extra frames.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>That included Manny Machado’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th and Luis Campusano’s two-out RBI double in the 11th that extended the game, giving Bogaerts a chance to be the hero an inning later.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“Those guys are playing good ball, and we battled all night,” Bogaerts said. “Man, what a way to start a homestand.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>One byproduct of a 12-inning game is that both teams could use length from their starting pitchers on Friday. San Diego right-hander Walker Buehler (0-1, 9.45 ERA) hasn’t yet provided that, failing to make it past the fourth inning in his first two outings.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>He lasted only 2 2/3 innings Sunday during the team’s 8-6 win in Boston, giving up four runs and three hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Buehler is 7-4 with a 4.71 ERA in 23 career games (19 starts) against the Rockies.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Colorado will counter with right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano (1-0, 1.69 ERA), who’s coming off a 4-1 win Sunday against Philadelphia. Sugano sailed through six innings, allowing four hits and a run while walking one and striking out five. This will be his first career start against the Padres.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>The Rockies might be without catcher Hunter Goodman, their one All-Star last year, after he sustained lacerations on his right middle finger when he was hit by a 95 mph fastball from Randy Vasquez in the sixth inning Thursday night.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Goodman tried to stay in the game and run but walked off the field after seeing blood dripping off his finger. Manager Warren Schaeffer said X-rays were negative and hopes Goodman won’t miss much playing time.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Still, the Rockies have shown definite signs of improvement after a dreadful 2025. Their lineup appears deeper than last year, and the pitching staff has looked more than viable against some good lineups early.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Goodman credited Schaeffer for the early turnaround, which included a four-game winning streak before the loss on Thursday.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“The vibe’s totally switched,” Goodman said. “The energy that (Schaeffer) brings every day just rubs off on us.” </p> </section><br/><section id="section-16"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Padres #continue #series #Rockies #Xander #Bogaerts #slam #huge

Next week, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game gets underway at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

But before this generation’s stars take the field, the next generation will take the stage in the City of Brotherly Love.

The 2026 MLB Draft gets underway on Saturday, and over 600 prospects will hear their names called during the 20 rounds that unfold, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall. To get you ready, we have a mock draft to help set the stage.

For more on how the first round works, we have you covered here with this piece from Thursday. And a note on methodology: This is a “what I think will happen” mock draft, and not a “what I would do” mock draft. Mostly because I would draft Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson with every pick in that scenario. But there is still some “what I would do” sprinkled in …

Here are the picks, with some thoughts after.

Pick

Team

Player

Position

School

1Chicago White SoxRoch CholowskySSUCLA
2Tampa Bay RaysGrady EmersonSSFort Worth Christian HS (TX)
3Minnesota TwinsVahn LackeyCGeorgia Tech
4San Francisco GiantsDrew BurressOFGeorgia Tech
5Pittsburgh PiratesEric Booth Jr.OFOak Grove HS (MS)
6Kansas City RoyalsJackson FloraRHPUC Santa Barbara
7Baltimore OriolesJustin LebronSSAlabama
8AthleticsRyder HelfrickCArkansas
9Atlanta BravesJacob LombardSSGulliver Prep HS (FL)
10Colorado RockiesTyler BellSSKentucky
11Washington NationalsAce Reese3BMississippi State
12Los Angeles AngelsChristopher Hacopian2BTexas A&M
13St. Louis CardinalsDerek CurielOFLSU
14Miami MarlinsGio RojasLHPStoneman Douglas HS (FL)
15Arizona DiamondbacksTrevor CondonOFEtowah HS (GA)
16Texas RangersMason EdwardsLHPUSC
17Houston AstrosDaniel JacksonCGeorgia
18Cincinnati RedsAJ GraciaOFVirginia
19Cleveland GuardiansJared GrindlingerOF/LHPHuntington Beach HS (CA)
20Boston Red SoxCameron FlukeyRHPCoastal Carolina
21San Diego PadresZion RoseOFLouisville
22Detroit TigersHunter DietzLHPArkansas
23Chicago CubsLiam PetersonRHPFlorida
24Seattle MarinersTegan KuhnsRHPTennessee
25Milwaukee BrewersSawyer StrosniderOFTCU
26Atlanta BravesCarson BolemonLHPSouthside Christian HS (SC)
27New York MetsCole CarlonLHPArizona State
28Houston AstrosBrody BumilaLHPBishop Feehan HS (MA)
29San Francisco GiantsCameron BorthwickRHPSouth Walton HS (FL)
30Kansas City RoyalsAiden RuizSSThe Stony Brook School (NY)
31Arizona DiamondbacksLogan SchmidtLHPGanesha HS (CA)
32St. Louis CardinalsBo Lowrance3BChrist Church Episcopal HS (SC)
33Tampa Bay RaysAiden RobbinsOFTexas
34Pittsburgh PiratesCade TownsendRHPMississippi
35New York YankeesLogan ReddemannRHPUCLA
36Philadelphia PhilliesTaj MarchandSSJames Island HS (SC)
37Colorado RockiesJack RadelRHPNotre Dame

If you want to get a little deeper into this class, read on.

Let’s dive into the top ten selections a bit more.

1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

It is by no means a done deal, but UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky remains the consensus top player in the class. And with the White Sox trying to sign him out of high school, the pairing between player and team fits. But there is a lot to like about Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, as well as Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey, who stand out as the top three players in the class. Chicago likely goes with Cholowsky, who might have the highest floor of the three, but Emerson might have the highest ceiling.

2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)

If Cholowsky indeed comes off the board first, Tampa Bay runs to the podium for Emerson. The high school shortstop has a silky smooth swing from the left side of the plate, is coming off another monster season where he slashed .532/.648/1.013, and was just the second high school player in the past 48 years to be named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, joining Bobby Witt Jr. on that short list.

3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech

The Minnesota Twins sit in a decent spot, as they would be happy to take Vahn Lackey, who slashed .397/.519/.722 as part of Georgia Tech’s monster offense this season.

4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech

This might be the first departure from consensus, as a bit of “what I would do” works its way into this mock draft. But in addition to Lackey, outfielder Drew Burress was a huge part of the Georgia Tech offense this past season. He slashed .358/.473/.675, while belting 16 home runs to break Jason Varitek’s school record of 57 career home runs, as Burress hit 60 during his time in college. The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several bats in this class, but Burress’ power stands out.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)

Mississippi outfielder Eric Booth Jr. is something of a consensus pick for the Pirates, and Pittsburgh dipped into the Mississippi prep waters recently with some success with Konnor Griffin. Eric Booth Jr. is considered the top prep outfielder in the 2026 MLB Draft class, hit .467 as a junior in 2025, and followed that with a .481/.699/.922 slash line this past year:

6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

It’s time for the first pitcher to come off the board, and it is UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora. Flora set a new school record with 133 strikeouts this season, as he finished with a 12-0 record, an ERA of 1.06, and a WHIP of just 0.853. Flora features high-level velocity — his fastball rests in the upper 90s and hits triple digits regularly — but he can mix in two different sliders, as well as two different changeups.

Here’s a look at that fastball:

And now let’s mix in some of that breaking stuff:

If Flora is off the board, high school arm Gio Rojas could be a pick for Kansas City here.

7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama

Here is another selection where the college influence creeps into my mind. Consensus is mixed on Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who could come off the board anywhere from No. 8 to the late teens.

So I concede I might be higher on him than consensus, but the tools are there and the shortstop was critical to Alabama’s run to Omaha this season. According to multiple reports the Orioles are looking at college bats with this pick, and Lebron makes a great deal of sense.

8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas

As noted by other outlets, the Athletics are looking at college bats, and Ryder Helfrick sliding to this spot would offer a nice combination of positional value and power at the plate. Helfrick slashed .305/.420/.616 for the Razorbacks in 2025 along with 15 home runs, and followed that with a .283/.417/.562 slash line in 2026 along with 18 big flies.

Plus, there is a track record of success with the wood bat, as he slashed .261/.323/.837 for Brewster on the Cape during the summer of 2024, along with 11 home runs.

9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)

This might be a bit low for Jacob Lombard, who is coming off boards earlier than this in other industry mock drafts. But with the board falling like this, the Braves would be happy to see Lombard available. The Florida infielder carries some “swing-and-miss” risk, particularly against upper-level velocity, but he offers an intriguing mix of power at the plate and speed on the bases.

10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky

The Colorado Rockies are another team linked to college bats in the 2026 MLB Draft, and Kentucky infielder Tyler Bell certainly fits the bill. Bell slashed an impressive .343/.510/.608 for the Wildcats this past season, with nine home runs.

The switch-hitter also has power from both sides of the plate. Here is a home run against West Virginia in the College World Series Regionals:

And here is a blast from the right side of the plate against Tennessee earlier this season:

That will work at Coors Field someday.

#MLB #mock #draft #Updated #projection #White #Sox #choosing #elite #players">MLB mock draft 2026: Updated projection with White Sox choosing between 3 elite players  Next week, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game gets underway at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.But before this generation’s stars take the field, the next generation will take the stage in the City of Brotherly Love.The 2026 MLB Draft gets underway on Saturday, and over 600 prospects will hear their names called during the 20 rounds that unfold, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall. To get you ready, we have a mock draft to help set the stage.For more on how the first round works, we have you covered here with this piece from Thursday. And a note on methodology: This is a “what I think will happen” mock draft, and not a “what I would do” mock draft. Mostly because I would draft Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson with every pick in that scenario. But there is still some “what I would do” sprinkled in …Here are the picks, with some thoughts after.PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool1Chicago White SoxRoch CholowskySSUCLA2Tampa Bay RaysGrady EmersonSSFort Worth Christian HS (TX)3Minnesota TwinsVahn LackeyCGeorgia Tech4San Francisco GiantsDrew BurressOFGeorgia Tech5Pittsburgh PiratesEric Booth Jr.OFOak Grove HS (MS)6Kansas City RoyalsJackson FloraRHPUC Santa Barbara7Baltimore OriolesJustin LebronSSAlabama8AthleticsRyder HelfrickCArkansas9Atlanta BravesJacob LombardSSGulliver Prep HS (FL)10Colorado RockiesTyler BellSSKentucky11Washington NationalsAce Reese3BMississippi State12Los Angeles AngelsChristopher Hacopian2BTexas A&M13St. Louis CardinalsDerek CurielOFLSU14Miami MarlinsGio RojasLHPStoneman Douglas HS (FL)15Arizona DiamondbacksTrevor CondonOFEtowah HS (GA)16Texas RangersMason EdwardsLHPUSC17Houston AstrosDaniel JacksonCGeorgia18Cincinnati RedsAJ GraciaOFVirginia19Cleveland GuardiansJared GrindlingerOF/LHPHuntington Beach HS (CA)20Boston Red SoxCameron FlukeyRHPCoastal Carolina21San Diego PadresZion RoseOFLouisville22Detroit TigersHunter DietzLHPArkansas23Chicago CubsLiam PetersonRHPFlorida24Seattle MarinersTegan KuhnsRHPTennessee25Milwaukee BrewersSawyer StrosniderOFTCU26Atlanta BravesCarson BolemonLHPSouthside Christian HS (SC)27New York MetsCole CarlonLHPArizona State28Houston AstrosBrody BumilaLHPBishop Feehan HS (MA)29San Francisco GiantsCameron BorthwickRHPSouth Walton HS (FL)30Kansas City RoyalsAiden RuizSSThe Stony Brook School (NY)31Arizona DiamondbacksLogan SchmidtLHPGanesha HS (CA)32St. Louis CardinalsBo Lowrance3BChrist Church Episcopal HS (SC)33Tampa Bay RaysAiden RobbinsOFTexas34Pittsburgh PiratesCade TownsendRHPMississippi35New York YankeesLogan ReddemannRHPUCLA36Philadelphia PhilliesTaj MarchandSSJames Island HS (SC)37Colorado RockiesJack RadelRHPNotre DameIf you want to get a little deeper into this class, read on.Let’s dive into the top ten selections a bit more.1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLAIt is by no means a done deal, but UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky remains the consensus top player in the class. And with the White Sox trying to sign him out of high school, the pairing between player and team fits. But there is a lot to like about Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, as well as Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey, who stand out as the top three players in the class. Chicago likely goes with Cholowsky, who might have the highest floor of the three, but Emerson might have the highest ceiling.2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)If Cholowsky indeed comes off the board first, Tampa Bay runs to the podium for Emerson. The high school shortstop has a silky smooth swing from the left side of the plate, is coming off another monster season where he slashed .532/.648/1.013, and was just the second high school player in the past 48 years to be named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, joining Bobby Witt Jr. on that short list.3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia TechThe Minnesota Twins sit in a decent spot, as they would be happy to take Vahn Lackey, who slashed .397/.519/.722 as part of Georgia Tech’s monster offense this season.4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia TechThis might be the first departure from consensus, as a bit of “what I would do” works its way into this mock draft. But in addition to Lackey, outfielder Drew Burress was a huge part of the Georgia Tech offense this past season. He slashed .358/.473/.675, while belting 16 home runs to break Jason Varitek’s school record of 57 career home runs, as Burress hit 60 during his time in college. The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several bats in this class, but Burress’ power stands out.5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)Mississippi outfielder Eric Booth Jr. is something of a consensus pick for the Pirates, and Pittsburgh dipped into the Mississippi prep waters recently with some success with Konnor Griffin. Eric Booth Jr. is considered the top prep outfielder in the 2026 MLB Draft class, hit .467 as a junior in 2025, and followed that with a .481/.699/.922 slash line this past year:6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa BarbaraIt’s time for the first pitcher to come off the board, and it is UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora. Flora set a new school record with 133 strikeouts this season, as he finished with a 12-0 record, an ERA of 1.06, and a WHIP of just 0.853. Flora features high-level velocity — his fastball rests in the upper 90s and hits triple digits regularly — but he can mix in two different sliders, as well as two different changeups.Here’s a look at that fastball:And now let’s mix in some of that breaking stuff:If Flora is off the board, high school arm Gio Rojas could be a pick for Kansas City here.7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, AlabamaHere is another selection where the college influence creeps into my mind. Consensus is mixed on Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who could come off the board anywhere from No. 8 to the late teens.So I concede I might be higher on him than consensus, but the tools are there and the shortstop was critical to Alabama’s run to Omaha this season. According to multiple reports the Orioles are looking at college bats with this pick, and Lebron makes a great deal of sense.8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, ArkansasAs noted by other outlets, the Athletics are looking at college bats, and Ryder Helfrick sliding to this spot would offer a nice combination of positional value and power at the plate. Helfrick slashed .305/.420/.616 for the Razorbacks in 2025 along with 15 home runs, and followed that with a .283/.417/.562 slash line in 2026 along with 18 big flies.Plus, there is a track record of success with the wood bat, as he slashed .261/.323/.837 for Brewster on the Cape during the summer of 2024, along with 11 home runs.9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)This might be a bit low for Jacob Lombard, who is coming off boards earlier than this in other industry mock drafts. But with the board falling like this, the Braves would be happy to see Lombard available. The Florida infielder carries some “swing-and-miss” risk, particularly against upper-level velocity, but he offers an intriguing mix of power at the plate and speed on the bases.10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, KentuckyThe Colorado Rockies are another team linked to college bats in the 2026 MLB Draft, and Kentucky infielder Tyler Bell certainly fits the bill. Bell slashed an impressive .343/.510/.608 for the Wildcats this past season, with nine home runs.The switch-hitter also has power from both sides of the plate. Here is a home run against West Virginia in the College World Series Regionals:And here is a blast from the right side of the plate against Tennessee earlier this season:That will work at Coors Field someday.  #MLB #mock #draft #Updated #projection #White #Sox #choosing #elite #players

2026 MLB Draft gets underway on Saturday, and over 600 prospects will hear their names called during the 20 rounds that unfold, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall. To get you ready, we have a mock draft to help set the stage.

For more on how the first round works, we have you covered here with this piece from Thursday. And a note on methodology: This is a “what I think will happen” mock draft, and not a “what I would do” mock draft. Mostly because I would draft Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson with every pick in that scenario. But there is still some “what I would do” sprinkled in …

Here are the picks, with some thoughts after.

Pick

Team

Player

Position

School

1Chicago White SoxRoch CholowskySSUCLA
2Tampa Bay RaysGrady EmersonSSFort Worth Christian HS (TX)
3Minnesota TwinsVahn LackeyCGeorgia Tech
4San Francisco GiantsDrew BurressOFGeorgia Tech
5Pittsburgh PiratesEric Booth Jr.OFOak Grove HS (MS)
6Kansas City RoyalsJackson FloraRHPUC Santa Barbara
7Baltimore OriolesJustin LebronSSAlabama
8AthleticsRyder HelfrickCArkansas
9Atlanta BravesJacob LombardSSGulliver Prep HS (FL)
10Colorado RockiesTyler BellSSKentucky
11Washington NationalsAce Reese3BMississippi State
12Los Angeles AngelsChristopher Hacopian2BTexas A&M
13St. Louis CardinalsDerek CurielOFLSU
14Miami MarlinsGio RojasLHPStoneman Douglas HS (FL)
15Arizona DiamondbacksTrevor CondonOFEtowah HS (GA)
16Texas RangersMason EdwardsLHPUSC
17Houston AstrosDaniel JacksonCGeorgia
18Cincinnati RedsAJ GraciaOFVirginia
19Cleveland GuardiansJared GrindlingerOF/LHPHuntington Beach HS (CA)
20Boston Red SoxCameron FlukeyRHPCoastal Carolina
21San Diego PadresZion RoseOFLouisville
22Detroit TigersHunter DietzLHPArkansas
23Chicago CubsLiam PetersonRHPFlorida
24Seattle MarinersTegan KuhnsRHPTennessee
25Milwaukee BrewersSawyer StrosniderOFTCU
26Atlanta BravesCarson BolemonLHPSouthside Christian HS (SC)
27New York MetsCole CarlonLHPArizona State
28Houston AstrosBrody BumilaLHPBishop Feehan HS (MA)
29San Francisco GiantsCameron BorthwickRHPSouth Walton HS (FL)
30Kansas City RoyalsAiden RuizSSThe Stony Brook School (NY)
31Arizona DiamondbacksLogan SchmidtLHPGanesha HS (CA)
32St. Louis CardinalsBo Lowrance3BChrist Church Episcopal HS (SC)
33Tampa Bay RaysAiden RobbinsOFTexas
34Pittsburgh PiratesCade TownsendRHPMississippi
35New York YankeesLogan ReddemannRHPUCLA
36Philadelphia PhilliesTaj MarchandSSJames Island HS (SC)
37Colorado RockiesJack RadelRHPNotre Dame

If you want to get a little deeper into this class, read on.

Let’s dive into the top ten selections a bit more.

1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

It is by no means a done deal, but UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky remains the consensus top player in the class. And with the White Sox trying to sign him out of high school, the pairing between player and team fits. But there is a lot to like about Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, as well as Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey, who stand out as the top three players in the class. Chicago likely goes with Cholowsky, who might have the highest floor of the three, but Emerson might have the highest ceiling.

2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)

If Cholowsky indeed comes off the board first, Tampa Bay runs to the podium for Emerson. The high school shortstop has a silky smooth swing from the left side of the plate, is coming off another monster season where he slashed .532/.648/1.013, and was just the second high school player in the past 48 years to be named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, joining Bobby Witt Jr. on that short list.

3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech

The Minnesota Twins sit in a decent spot, as they would be happy to take Vahn Lackey, who slashed .397/.519/.722 as part of Georgia Tech’s monster offense this season.

4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech

This might be the first departure from consensus, as a bit of “what I would do” works its way into this mock draft. But in addition to Lackey, outfielder Drew Burress was a huge part of the Georgia Tech offense this past season. He slashed .358/.473/.675, while belting 16 home runs to break Jason Varitek’s school record of 57 career home runs, as Burress hit 60 during his time in college. The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several bats in this class, but Burress’ power stands out.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)

Mississippi outfielder Eric Booth Jr. is something of a consensus pick for the Pirates, and Pittsburgh dipped into the Mississippi prep waters recently with some success with Konnor Griffin. Eric Booth Jr. is considered the top prep outfielder in the 2026 MLB Draft class, hit .467 as a junior in 2025, and followed that with a .481/.699/.922 slash line this past year:

6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

It’s time for the first pitcher to come off the board, and it is UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora. Flora set a new school record with 133 strikeouts this season, as he finished with a 12-0 record, an ERA of 1.06, and a WHIP of just 0.853. Flora features high-level velocity — his fastball rests in the upper 90s and hits triple digits regularly — but he can mix in two different sliders, as well as two different changeups.

Here’s a look at that fastball:

And now let’s mix in some of that breaking stuff:

If Flora is off the board, high school arm Gio Rojas could be a pick for Kansas City here.

7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama

Here is another selection where the college influence creeps into my mind. Consensus is mixed on Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who could come off the board anywhere from No. 8 to the late teens.

So I concede I might be higher on him than consensus, but the tools are there and the shortstop was critical to Alabama’s run to Omaha this season. According to multiple reports the Orioles are looking at college bats with this pick, and Lebron makes a great deal of sense.

8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas

As noted by other outlets, the Athletics are looking at college bats, and Ryder Helfrick sliding to this spot would offer a nice combination of positional value and power at the plate. Helfrick slashed .305/.420/.616 for the Razorbacks in 2025 along with 15 home runs, and followed that with a .283/.417/.562 slash line in 2026 along with 18 big flies.

Plus, there is a track record of success with the wood bat, as he slashed .261/.323/.837 for Brewster on the Cape during the summer of 2024, along with 11 home runs.

9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)

This might be a bit low for Jacob Lombard, who is coming off boards earlier than this in other industry mock drafts. But with the board falling like this, the Braves would be happy to see Lombard available. The Florida infielder carries some “swing-and-miss” risk, particularly against upper-level velocity, but he offers an intriguing mix of power at the plate and speed on the bases.

10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky

The Colorado Rockies are another team linked to college bats in the 2026 MLB Draft, and Kentucky infielder Tyler Bell certainly fits the bill. Bell slashed an impressive .343/.510/.608 for the Wildcats this past season, with nine home runs.

The switch-hitter also has power from both sides of the plate. Here is a home run against West Virginia in the College World Series Regionals:

And here is a blast from the right side of the plate against Tennessee earlier this season:

That will work at Coors Field someday.

#MLB #mock #draft #Updated #projection #White #Sox #choosing #elite #players">MLB mock draft 2026: Updated projection with White Sox choosing between 3 elite players

Next week, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game gets underway at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

But before this generation’s stars take the field, the next generation will take the stage in the City of Brotherly Love.

The 2026 MLB Draft gets underway on Saturday, and over 600 prospects will hear their names called during the 20 rounds that unfold, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall. To get you ready, we have a mock draft to help set the stage.

For more on how the first round works, we have you covered here with this piece from Thursday. And a note on methodology: This is a “what I think will happen” mock draft, and not a “what I would do” mock draft. Mostly because I would draft Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson with every pick in that scenario. But there is still some “what I would do” sprinkled in …

Here are the picks, with some thoughts after.

Pick

Team

Player

Position

School

1Chicago White SoxRoch CholowskySSUCLA
2Tampa Bay RaysGrady EmersonSSFort Worth Christian HS (TX)
3Minnesota TwinsVahn LackeyCGeorgia Tech
4San Francisco GiantsDrew BurressOFGeorgia Tech
5Pittsburgh PiratesEric Booth Jr.OFOak Grove HS (MS)
6Kansas City RoyalsJackson FloraRHPUC Santa Barbara
7Baltimore OriolesJustin LebronSSAlabama
8AthleticsRyder HelfrickCArkansas
9Atlanta BravesJacob LombardSSGulliver Prep HS (FL)
10Colorado RockiesTyler BellSSKentucky
11Washington NationalsAce Reese3BMississippi State
12Los Angeles AngelsChristopher Hacopian2BTexas A&M
13St. Louis CardinalsDerek CurielOFLSU
14Miami MarlinsGio RojasLHPStoneman Douglas HS (FL)
15Arizona DiamondbacksTrevor CondonOFEtowah HS (GA)
16Texas RangersMason EdwardsLHPUSC
17Houston AstrosDaniel JacksonCGeorgia
18Cincinnati RedsAJ GraciaOFVirginia
19Cleveland GuardiansJared GrindlingerOF/LHPHuntington Beach HS (CA)
20Boston Red SoxCameron FlukeyRHPCoastal Carolina
21San Diego PadresZion RoseOFLouisville
22Detroit TigersHunter DietzLHPArkansas
23Chicago CubsLiam PetersonRHPFlorida
24Seattle MarinersTegan KuhnsRHPTennessee
25Milwaukee BrewersSawyer StrosniderOFTCU
26Atlanta BravesCarson BolemonLHPSouthside Christian HS (SC)
27New York MetsCole CarlonLHPArizona State
28Houston AstrosBrody BumilaLHPBishop Feehan HS (MA)
29San Francisco GiantsCameron BorthwickRHPSouth Walton HS (FL)
30Kansas City RoyalsAiden RuizSSThe Stony Brook School (NY)
31Arizona DiamondbacksLogan SchmidtLHPGanesha HS (CA)
32St. Louis CardinalsBo Lowrance3BChrist Church Episcopal HS (SC)
33Tampa Bay RaysAiden RobbinsOFTexas
34Pittsburgh PiratesCade TownsendRHPMississippi
35New York YankeesLogan ReddemannRHPUCLA
36Philadelphia PhilliesTaj MarchandSSJames Island HS (SC)
37Colorado RockiesJack RadelRHPNotre Dame

If you want to get a little deeper into this class, read on.

Let’s dive into the top ten selections a bit more.

1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

It is by no means a done deal, but UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky remains the consensus top player in the class. And with the White Sox trying to sign him out of high school, the pairing between player and team fits. But there is a lot to like about Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, as well as Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey, who stand out as the top three players in the class. Chicago likely goes with Cholowsky, who might have the highest floor of the three, but Emerson might have the highest ceiling.

2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)

If Cholowsky indeed comes off the board first, Tampa Bay runs to the podium for Emerson. The high school shortstop has a silky smooth swing from the left side of the plate, is coming off another monster season where he slashed .532/.648/1.013, and was just the second high school player in the past 48 years to be named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, joining Bobby Witt Jr. on that short list.

3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech

The Minnesota Twins sit in a decent spot, as they would be happy to take Vahn Lackey, who slashed .397/.519/.722 as part of Georgia Tech’s monster offense this season.

4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech

This might be the first departure from consensus, as a bit of “what I would do” works its way into this mock draft. But in addition to Lackey, outfielder Drew Burress was a huge part of the Georgia Tech offense this past season. He slashed .358/.473/.675, while belting 16 home runs to break Jason Varitek’s school record of 57 career home runs, as Burress hit 60 during his time in college. The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several bats in this class, but Burress’ power stands out.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)

Mississippi outfielder Eric Booth Jr. is something of a consensus pick for the Pirates, and Pittsburgh dipped into the Mississippi prep waters recently with some success with Konnor Griffin. Eric Booth Jr. is considered the top prep outfielder in the 2026 MLB Draft class, hit .467 as a junior in 2025, and followed that with a .481/.699/.922 slash line this past year:

6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

It’s time for the first pitcher to come off the board, and it is UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora. Flora set a new school record with 133 strikeouts this season, as he finished with a 12-0 record, an ERA of 1.06, and a WHIP of just 0.853. Flora features high-level velocity — his fastball rests in the upper 90s and hits triple digits regularly — but he can mix in two different sliders, as well as two different changeups.

Here’s a look at that fastball:

And now let’s mix in some of that breaking stuff:

If Flora is off the board, high school arm Gio Rojas could be a pick for Kansas City here.

7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama

Here is another selection where the college influence creeps into my mind. Consensus is mixed on Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who could come off the board anywhere from No. 8 to the late teens.

So I concede I might be higher on him than consensus, but the tools are there and the shortstop was critical to Alabama’s run to Omaha this season. According to multiple reports the Orioles are looking at college bats with this pick, and Lebron makes a great deal of sense.

8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas

As noted by other outlets, the Athletics are looking at college bats, and Ryder Helfrick sliding to this spot would offer a nice combination of positional value and power at the plate. Helfrick slashed .305/.420/.616 for the Razorbacks in 2025 along with 15 home runs, and followed that with a .283/.417/.562 slash line in 2026 along with 18 big flies.

Plus, there is a track record of success with the wood bat, as he slashed .261/.323/.837 for Brewster on the Cape during the summer of 2024, along with 11 home runs.

9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)

This might be a bit low for Jacob Lombard, who is coming off boards earlier than this in other industry mock drafts. But with the board falling like this, the Braves would be happy to see Lombard available. The Florida infielder carries some “swing-and-miss” risk, particularly against upper-level velocity, but he offers an intriguing mix of power at the plate and speed on the bases.

10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky

The Colorado Rockies are another team linked to college bats in the 2026 MLB Draft, and Kentucky infielder Tyler Bell certainly fits the bill. Bell slashed an impressive .343/.510/.608 for the Wildcats this past season, with nine home runs.

The switch-hitter also has power from both sides of the plate. Here is a home run against West Virginia in the College World Series Regionals:

And here is a blast from the right side of the plate against Tennessee earlier this season:

That will work at Coors Field someday.

#MLB #mock #draft #Updated #projection #White #Sox #choosing #elite #players

Jannik Sinner retained his Wimbledon title by beating Alexander Zverev 6-7(7), ​7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 in the final on Sunday to claim ‌his fifth Grand Slam crown and extend ​his dominance over the German to 10 ⁠straight victories.

The win placed Sinner in rare company as the 10th man in the professional era to successfully defend the ‌title, strengthening his credentials as one of the dominant players of his generation while he ‌chases down big rival Carlos Alcaraz’s seven majors.

Both ‌finalists ⁠slugged it out for 12 games in ⁠a high-octane first set on a warm and windy afternoon, before Zverev moved up a gear and hit a powerful forehand winner ​to clinch a gripping ‌tiebreak, yelling and crouching down in celebration.

The clean ball-striking continued but Zverev began to show signs of frustration late in the second set, where a ‌much more animated Sinner gained the upper hand ​in the tiebreak and went on to level the contest at one set apiece.

Zverev brought ⁠up his first break point midway through the third set after more than 2-1/2 hours, but slipped and ‌fell to the ground after being wrong-footed by a Sinner drop shot. With Zverev screaming out in agony, the Centre Court crowd gasped when he rolled onto his back clutching his right knee.

The second seed dusted himself off and carried on but was ‌left seething when Sinner pounced in the next game to break ​for a 5-3 lead, slamming his racket to the floor, and soon found himself trailing ⁠the Italian two-sets-to-one after nearly three hours of battle.

Sinner ⁠broke again for a 4-3 advantage in the fourth set as Zverev’s level briefly dipped, and ‌the 24-year-old held firm in an entertaining spell to complete the victory and then collapsed to ​the threadbare turf in celebration.

Published on Jul 13, 2026

#Jannik #Sinner #defeats #Alexander #Zverev #win #consecutive #Wimbledon #title">Jannik Sinner defeats Alexander Zverev to win second consecutive Wimbledon title  Jannik Sinner retained his Wimbledon title by beating Alexander Zverev 6-7(7), ​7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 in the final on Sunday to claim ‌his fifth Grand Slam crown and extend ​his dominance over the German to 10 ⁠straight victories.The win placed Sinner in rare company as the 10th man in the professional era to successfully defend the ‌title, strengthening his credentials as one of the dominant players of his generation while he ‌chases down big rival Carlos Alcaraz’s seven majors.Both ‌finalists ⁠slugged it out for 12 games in ⁠a high-octane first set on a warm and windy afternoon, before Zverev moved up a gear and hit a powerful forehand winner ​to clinch a gripping ‌tiebreak, yelling and crouching down in celebration.The clean ball-striking continued but Zverev began to show signs of frustration late in the second set, where a ‌much more animated Sinner gained the upper hand ​in the tiebreak and went on to level the contest at one set apiece.Zverev brought ⁠up his first break point midway through the third set after more than 2-1/2 hours, but slipped and ‌fell to the ground after being wrong-footed by a Sinner drop shot. With Zverev screaming out in agony, the Centre Court crowd gasped when he rolled onto his back clutching his right knee.The second seed dusted himself off and carried on but was ‌left seething when Sinner pounced in the next game to break ​for a 5-3 lead, slamming his racket to the floor, and soon found himself trailing ⁠the Italian two-sets-to-one after nearly three hours of battle.Sinner ⁠broke again for a 4-3 advantage in the fourth set as Zverev’s level briefly dipped, and ‌the 24-year-old held firm in an entertaining spell to complete the victory and then collapsed to ​the threadbare turf in celebration.Published on Jul 13, 2026  #Jannik #Sinner #defeats #Alexander #Zverev #win #consecutive #Wimbledon #title

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