EDITOR’S NOTE
I’m usually not one to stay on top of fashion trends, but Vogue might’ve just convinced me to try the sports merch taking over closets. (Guess it’s finally time to retire my high school athletic tees and go pro.) Maybe I’ll rock a hockey jacket à la Hailey Bieber — no time like the present to rep the Minnesota Frost champs. Or throw on a Fever No. 22 jersey to support Caitlin Clark while she’s sidelined for the next couple of weeks. Then again, Jeremy Allen White and Austin Butler are making a strong case for this iconic staple. While my wallet and I figure it out, let’s get to some other sports highlights…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
Let's Discuss
What to look out for in our latest episode.
Oh Non You Didn't, French Open
What's going on: In 2024, No. 1 Iga Świątek went up against Naomi Osaka in a thrilling French Open blockbuster. But instead of the prime-time slot, they were scheduled to play in the afternoon. According to the WTA, such matches were a missed opportunity for many fans. One year later, it seems the French Open has not learned its lesson — and officials aren’t hiding it, either. In comments that caused a racket, the president of France’s tennis federation suggested earlier this week that the French Open features the “better matches” during night slots at the main court, according to The Athletic. And, yep, that’s meant a strong bias toward men’s matches — leaving women to play earlier in the day, often in front of sparse crowds. Sacré bleu.
Our take: The French tennis federation has crossed the line before. In 2022, French Open director Amélie Mauresmo apologized after saying men’s matches had “more attraction and appeal,” claiming the comment was taken out of context. The tournament was also among the last of the four Grand Slams to offer equal prize money. While organizations like the WTA push for more balanced representation in prime-time matches at Roland-Garros, some stars — like Świątek — say they actually prefer daytime events because they get more time to rest. Others disagree. Danielle Collins, who also issued this crucial reminder about personal space, said women’s matches have plenty to offer. The ball’s in your court, French Open.
Related: Oops, Coco Gauff Forgot Something Very Important at Her Match (Well Played)
Pick Six
More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
🏀 Sorry, Timothée — but Anne Hathaway’s hype video proves she’s not just a Knicks fan — she’s princess of the Garden.
😎 Tom Brady had the perfect reaction to the Indy 500 crowd’s boos. It’s the price you pay for being on a rival’s turf.
🥇 Stopping to breastfeed during an ultramarathon — and still taking first place? Talk about endurance.
🎁 One NFL star had the ultimate surprise for his bride on their wedding day. The bar has been raised.
🎵 What do Steph Curry and Benson Boone have in common? More than you think.
💅🏼 Naomi Osaka had a very relatable moment on the court. Oh, to be a woman.
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
Team USA hockey beat Switzerland in the world championships last weekend. Why is this win so significant?
This is Team USA’s first men’s hockey world championship in 92 years. While the team has earned five bronze medals since 2000, it hadn’t reached the top of the podium since 1933 — and hadn’t played a gold-medal game since 1934. This victory carried extra meaning, too: After the win, players held a No. 13 jersey over the trophy to honor late American hockey star Johnny Gaudreau.
FEATURED EXPERT:
Caroline Hendershot
Reporter for NY Jets and co-host of Well Played
The Press Box
Rugby star and Olympic medalist Ilona Maher sat down with Well Played co-hosts Blake Morgan and Caroline Hendershot to talk about her new Coppertone partnership, social media, and her experience on DWTS…
Q: You have a huge social media presence. How do you balance that with being the face of rugby?
A: I’ve just made [social media] part of my job, because I saw how effective it can be and what doors it could open… This is where I make all my income, so I found the balance for it… but that’s not going to take away from what I do [on] the field.
Q: What’s harder: training for rugby or learning a new dance routine for Dancing With the Stars?
A: Physically harder, training for rugby. Mentally harder, dancing.
Q: Your sister Olivia coined the term “girl dinner.” What’s your ideal girl dinner?
A: Being an athlete, being a big girl, I love to get a little protein in. It’s really just a deconstructed sandwich, if I’m being honest. Cheese, a pickle, a protein, [and] probably bread.
Q: What’s your favorite sports movie of all time?
A: Probably Bend It Like Beckham.
To watch the full interview, check out this week’s episode of Well Played.
This interview was edited for clarity.
Just Trust Us
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
The trick to staying hydrated all summer? A heavy-duty water bottle (that also happens to be really cute). We can’t decide which color we love more.
If Steve Madden’s recent interview sent you on a small shopping spree, you’re not alone. We’re now geeking out about these perfect travel sneakers.
These body and hair mists are making our post-workout shower scent last all day long. Prepare for compliments.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
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