The French Open Was a Lesson in Manifestation (Sort of)

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The French Open Was a Lesson in Manifestation (Sort of)

What's going on: Before her French Open matchup against Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff wrote “I will win [the] French Open 2025” over and over on paper. And by now, you probably know that Gauff literally manifested it into reality. While she clearly believes in the power of intention, it’s Gauff’s hard work and better performance that made her the first American woman to win the tournament since Serena Williams’s title in 2015. Oh, and she got to take home $2.9 million in prize money and a trophy — though we’d like a word about the size, French Open.

Our take: Gauff’s performance isn’t just proof that manifestation might help (side note: here’s how you can start). It’s a master class in overcoming devastating losses and criticism — including from Sabalenka, who addressed her controversial comments on Gauff’s French Open performance. It’s also a testament to the iconic athletes before her (hi, Billie Jean King and Serena Williams) who made equal pay at Grand Slams like the French Open possible. At just 21 years old, Gauff is the youngest American since Williams to win the tournament since 2002 — and she’s just getting started. Wimbledon isn’t ready.

Related: Did Carlos Alcaraz Just Credit Being Delulu for His French Open Win? (The Guardian)

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Timeout...

Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.

College athletes will now get paid to play, thanks to a new settlement. Which sports will gain the most — and which could lose out?

High-revenue athletics, like football, are estimated to get 75% of school funds as a result of this historic settlement, with men’s and women’s basketball also set to benefit. But sports that don’t generate much income for schools likely won’t see much money in return. That will affect both men’s and women’s programs. Women’s rowing and track and field are among those at risk of cuts — putting some collegiate teams in jeopardy.

FEATURED EXPERT:

Caroline Hendershot

Reporter for NY Jets and co-host of Well Played

The Press Box

Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez joined Well Played to talk about who should follow in her Dancing with the Stars footsteps, the last Olympian she texted, and how she learned to prioritize her mental health with the help of “The Mind Set” presented by Love, Your Mind.

Q: What’s harder: performing on the balance beam or live commentating for the Olympics?

A: Being on the balance beam. Both have their struggles, but I have a lot of fun commentating. 

Q: Are there any gymnastics moves that you’ve brought into your daily life?

A: Sometimes I’ll stretch before bed, and I’ll do the splits. Oftentimes, I’ll walk on my hands as, like, a party trick.

Q: If you could do a floor routine to any song today, what song would it be?

A: “Nuevayol” by Bad Bunny. 

Q: What’s something that’s not an Olympic sport, but should be?

A: Cooking. I can’t do it, and it’s really stressful to me.

To watch the full interview, check out this week’s episode of Well Played.

This interview was edited for clarity.

Kicking Off Something Big

We’ve teamed up with the National Women’s Soccer League to be an official media partner — because showing up for women is kind of our whole thing. In your inbox and on the Well Played podcast, expect exclusive player interviews, match recaps that speak your language, and the kind of behind-the-scenes content that reminds you athletes are people, too (they just score hat tricks while raising toddlers). Consider this your sideline view of the league changing the game — on and off the field.

Just Trust Us

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We can all agree, the best loungewear is the kind that doesn’t feel like you’re wearing anything at all — just like these fan-fave oversized pants.