EDITOR’S NOTE
As we head into the July 4th weekend, I’m getting ready for long days by the lake, BBQs with a Koozie drink in hand, and, of course, plenty of yapping with friends. No topic will be off-limits — no matter how random. Like the Patriots’ Stefon Diggs renting a castle to do… football drills? Or, the fact that AI robots are now playing soccer (let’s just say, pro athletes have job security). Since it’s the Midwest, of course we’ll chat about the Bucks’ big gamble (including Giannis’s very confused reaction) and the Indiana Fever’s new championship title — not to mention the Caitlin Clark rankings drama. One thing I can’t leave out: this roundup of the most-stylish people (yes, Timothée’s sideline looks made the cut). Now, let’s get to some other sports highlights…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
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What to look out for in our latest episode.
Game, Set, Burnout? Tennis Stars Sound the Alarm
What's going on: Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the year, is officially in full swing (in record heat, no less). While fans may be focused on the tournament’s changes — goodbye to the famously dapper line judges — and shocking upsets, there’s more at play. Ahead of her Wimbledon match, the women’s No. 4, Iga Świątek called out what many see as an unsustainable grind in tennis: its “superintense” schedule. “There’s no point for us to play over 20 tournaments in a year,” Świątek told reporters. Her comments echo a broader push — including a lawsuit from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) — to hold the sport’s governing bodies accountable for player burnout. (Tennis organizations have denied the allegations.)
Our take: Świątek highlighted the toll of this packed calendar on athletes’ mental and physical health — and on the nature of the game itself. As she put it: With fewer tournaments, “the quality would be better.” Świątek’s not alone. No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka pushed back on the pressure, shutting down the idea of playing best-of-five-set matches at Grand Slams, like the men. “It’s too much on the woman’s body,” Sabalenka said. “I think it would increase the amount of injuries.” We love tennis as much as the next fan — just not at the expense of the players who make it worth watching.
Related: What Rivalry? Coco Gauff Wants You To Forgive and Forget (Well Played)
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More sports talkers you don't want to miss.
💞 The Bezos-Sánchez wedding is over, but the rumors swirling around Brady-Sweeney are just getting started. They might’ve found love in a hopeless place. (Well Played)
🏟️ This might be the worst stadium ever, according to fans. Sorry, but what do you expect from Florida… (The Athletic)
🤔 Is Savannah James laying the groundwork for LeBron’s next act? (Well Played)
💅🏼 Meet the viral tennis WAGs getting more attention than the male players. (W)
😬 Does this baseball player’s cheeky nickname cross the line? You’ll never guess what it is. (GQ Sports)
👀 Tyrese Haliburton’s recovery from his Achilles injury seems to be going just fine — at least judging by his latest purchase. (Well Played)
Timeout...
Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.
The WNBA announced that it's expanding to three more cities. What do we know about the league's plans?
The WNBA is set to expand to a record 18 teams by 2030, with new franchises planned for Cleveland, Detroit, and Philly (pending approval from the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors). For context, more than 10 cities threw their hats in the ring for an expansion team. The league last peaked at 16 franchises back in 2002 — including teams in Cleveland and Detroit, which folded in 2003 and 2009. So what’s different this time? The league’s record TV ratings, merchandise sales, and attendance. And while some WNBA players (see: Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham) may feel differently, these new franchises won’t just be checking a box — they’re answering a nationwide demand from fans.
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Caroline Hendershot
Reporter for NY Jets and co-host of Well Played
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Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
We don’t need to tell you it’s hot, but we do need to tell you about this summertime pool activity that’s under $100. Warning: it’s addicting.
Here are all the breezy, comfortable dresses that are getting us into our Sporty Spice era. Pit and boob stains not included.
Quiet luxury is out, lazy luxury is in. Meet the Mary Janes that look designer but feel like your favorite pair of worn sneakers.
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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