Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

Roland-Garros (aka the French Open) has barely begun, but tennis royalty and fashion lovers have already turned the City of Light into their personal playground. Vive le chaos. Over the weekend, Naomi Osaka and Taylor Townsend cohosted a dinner that rivaled the guest list at Lena Dunham’s birthday party. Then Osaka walked into the stadium for her first match in full “court-ure,” and I audibly gasped at the video. Not to be outdone, Novak Djokovic debuted a fit with actual clay baked into it, as well as some dance moves that earned him a new nickname. Elsewhere, Aryna Sabalenka rocked necklaces with 23 carats’ worth of diamonds inspired by the courts at R-G before winding up in the middle of a fashion faux pas with another player. Safe to say she didn’t sign up to play doubles. Now that summer sports madness is officially underway, we’ve got a new calendar full of don’t-miss moments. More on that (and the rest of the sports headlines) below…

— Mallory Simon / Writer / New York, New York

Let's Discuss

Women's Lax Has Entered the Chat

What’s going on: Women’s lacrosse may have found its first true crossover star. University of North Carolina player Chloe Humphrey has spent the last two seasons shattering records and drawing comparisons to everyone from Caitlin Clark to Michael Jordan. In 2025, she became the first freshman to ever win the sport’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy — and she’s up for it again this year. That hype spilled into this past weekend’s NCAA championship matchup when Humphrey and UNC took on Northwestern and their powerhouse attacker, Madison Taylor. The Wildcats spoiled the Tar Heels’ bid for back-to-back championships by mounting a fourth-quarter comeback to win the title. But this story is far from over.

Our take: Even defeat can’t dim Humphrey’s star power — if anything, losing a college championship game just adds to the Clark comparisons. Women’s lacrosse has never lacked elite athletes, but it hasn’t always had players like Humphrey, who could pull casual fans into the sport. And its popularity could peak at the perfect moment as lacrosse prepares to return to the Olympics in 2028 after a 118-year absence. The faster-paced “sixes” format could introduce the game to a much wider audience. Add rising TV exposure, social media buzz, and a new generation of stars, and women’s lacrosse suddenly feels much closer to a mainstream breakthrough than a niche college sport.

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

⛳ Michelle Wie West convinced Kylie Kelce to play golf (despite being “bad” at it) with three simple words. They’re our new mantra.

👏 Simone Biles stunned in her date night look at her friends’ wedding. We give it a 10/10.

👑 Prince William just revealed that Princess Charlotte takes after her mom, Kate Middleton, when it comes to where her football loyalties lie.

🎾 While the rest of the world is on racket watch, we’re dialed into the ways Coco Gauff supports her mental health during major tournaments.

💖 We don’t know what we love more: JoJo Lacey’s WAG swag for Dylan Harper or the way he talks about his mom being his first coach.

🪥 See why one MLB star has divided the internet with this diabolical way to apply toothpaste. And we thought the biggest argument was when to wet the brush.

In Our Rotation

Gap is the latest brand to get in on the stylish World Cup merch game.

Heat waves are on the horizon, and this personal cooling system is calling our name. Read our full review here.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

Timeout...

Who are the nuns rooting for the Spurs?

The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco have become unlikely stars of the Western Conference finals — social media is fully obsessed with the basketball-loving nuns. The sisters began attending games in San Antonio more than 20 years ago, and former head coach Gregg Popovich encouraged their fandom when he visited their convent with his wife. The pregame blessing they gave Luke Kornet ahead of San Antonio’s Game 4 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder seemed to work, since the team secured its largest margin of victory so far in this series. If I were the organization, I’d make sure the Salesian Sisters have courtside seats for Thursday’s must-win matchup. Desperate times call for divine measures.

Featured Expert

Caroline Hendershot

Caroline Hendershot, reporter for the New York Jets and Well Played co-host, tackles listener Qs.

In Her Court

Midge Purce doesn't do anything halfway. theSkimm recently caught up with the Gotham FC forward and US Women’s National Team veteran on everything from how she uses her platform to invest in the next generation of girls in sports to the beauty product she says gives her an instant confidence boost.

“Representation and visibility matter… through hard work, resilience, and the right support system, [soccer has] opened doors I never imagined.”

For more from Purce, including why she wants another championship win with Gotham FC and the teammate she says set the standard for leadership, read our full interview with her here.

TOGETHER WITH ADOBE ACROBAT

Game Plan

104

That’s how many football, err, soccer matches there will be between June 11th and July 19th. That’s…a lot of soccer to keep up with. Thankfully, we partnered with Adobe to create a PDF space that makes it easy to stay up to date on the latest matches.

Consider this your soccer crash course. We’re talking upcoming match schedules, players to watch, team lineups, and so. much. more.

Plus, you can ask their AI Assistant all your match Qs, like “When is the USA’s next match?” or “Who’s favored to win tomorrow?” — and you’ll have the answer in seconds. Don’t forget: you can also share the interactive hub via a link with your fellow soccer fans. Adobe with the assist.

Kick Things Off

PS: This promotion is not sponsored by or affiliated with FIFA.

In Our Rotation

Next time you feel a pimple forming, pop on this Early Stage Acne Dot to stop it in its tracks. Get a pack for 25% off with code THESKIMM25.

Another pimple hack: After your next sweaty workout, cleanse with this exfoliating body wash to unclog your pores.

Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

No Notes

On Our Calendar

Thursday, May 28

🎾 Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka play

Both hit the clay in the second round of the French Open — Gauff faces Mayar Sherif and Osaka take on Donna Vekić.

Friday, May 29

🍿 Rafa drops on Netflix

The four-episode documentary dives into tennis legend Rafael Nadal’s life — including interviews with his biggest rivals.

Tuesday, June 2

⚾ Sixth annual Lou Gehrig Day

MLB honors the Yankees icon 85 years after his death from ALS, with league-wide events and fundraisers.

Tuesday, June 2

📚 The Open Era by Edward Schmit drops

Tennis rivals + a potential love match? If you liked Heated Rivalry, this debut novel is a must-add to cart.

Psst…this is just the preview: Subscribe to the full Skimm+ calendar and never miss a moment.

Tell Us

Which female celebrity does Jalen Brunson hug at home games?

Together with

Let's Discuss

Women's Lax Has Entered the Chat

Pick Six

In Our Rotation

Timeout...

Who are the nuns rooting for the Spurs?

Featured Expert

Caroline Hendershot

In Her Court

TOGETHER WITH ADOBE ACROBAT

Game Plan

104

In Our Rotation

No Notes

On Our Calendar

Thursday, May 28

🎾 Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka play

Friday, May 29

🍿 Rafa drops on Netflix

Tuesday, June 2

⚾ Sixth annual Lou Gehrig Day

Tuesday, June 2

📚 The Open Era by Edward Schmit drops

Tell Us

Which female celebrity does Jalen Brunson hug at home games?

Kate Middleton must be thrilled