Well Played

EDITOR’S NOTE

Between the French Open and the Champions League final, Paris felt like the center of the sports world over the weekend. Part of me wished I was there, until I saw how some fans celebrated Paris Saint-Germain’s title on Saturday. Très unsportsmanlike. Then again, there's a lot of that going around lately. (More on that below…) On the brighter side, I’ll be on Serena watch until further notice, after news broke that the tennis legend accepted a wild card for next week’s Queen’s Club tournament in London. And while tennis has my attention for now, I’m counting down the hours until the Knicks and Spurs tip off in the NBA Finals tonight. I’m sure nerves are high for both teams, given that neither has reached this stage in more than a decade. Though maybe not for the one player who’s practically guaranteed a ring no matter who wins. Now, here’s what else is making sports headlines…

— Jordan Galloway, Editor, Katonah, NY

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The French Open's Double Fault

What’s going on: Tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo received a major fine for sexist comments about female umpire Ana Carvalho after his second-round loss at the French Open. While he may have entered the tournament ranked No. 71 in the world, his postmatch remarks secured his status as a world-class sore loser in the hearts and minds of tennis fans. Tournament organizers and fellow pros quickly clapped back — Andy Roddick's response hit harder than his own 155-mph serve. When Roland-Garros announced it would strip Vallejo of half his prize money, he apologized in the way people do when they don't really believe they were wrong.

But there’s more: The Vallejo conversation turned out to be merely the appetizer to a full discourse about how women are treated at the French Open. On Monday night, Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka played the tournament's first women's night-session match since 2023. Players have criticized the imbalance for years. Last season, then third seed Jessica Pegula told the BBC that conversations about scheduling more women's night matches felt like "hitting [her] head against the wall." Tournament organizers justify their decision by implying that the men’s tournament offers “the better match.” (Yes, one really said that.) Critics counter that it's hard to know what audiences might show up for if women rarely get the biggest stage. Monday's matchup offered at least one data point: Sabalenka defeated Osaka in front of a near-capacity crowd. Afterward, the No. 1 seed told the BBC: "I hope this is the beginning and we open the door."

Related: The French Open Will Crown Two First-Time Champs This Weekend (Front Office Sports)

Pick Six

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❤️‍🔥 See why Josh Allen’s response to a question about new mom Hailee Steinfeld has us all saying, “may this love attack me.”

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🔥 Things boiled over between Caitlin Clark and Fever head coach Stephanie White recently, and the tea one teammate spilled about it is piping.

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🌴 Ilona Maher stunned on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway, but it’s her hot take on enjoying life that we can’t stop thinking about.

In Our Rotation

Consider this your sign to (finally) upgrade your toothbrush. This sleek electric one is an editor fave.

If you’re upgrading your summer essentials, we’d like to point you toward this soft, seamless tee. It’s the perfect layer for outdoor walks or workouts.

Keep scrolling...more recs below

Timeout...

Spurs vs. Knicks — who are the players to know?

The NBA Finals are all about star power. For the Spurs, we all know Victor Wembanyama, the Defensive Player of the Year and the guy who is basically 19 feet tall (only 7'4", but who's counting?). He's the main attraction in San Antonio, but you should also know guard De'Aaron Fox and 2024–25 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle (Paige Bueckers’s bestie and one half of the Pineapple Express). For the Knicks, the starting five have a bit more notoriety: Jalen Brunson, former Villanova teammates Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and, of course, Karl-Anthony Towns (or, if you're more plugged into pop culture than basketball, Jordyn Woods's fiancé). So who takes it all? The older, more experienced Knicks who enter well rested after more than a week off. Or, the younger Spurs team who arrive fresh off a seven-game battle and all the confidence that comes from defeating the reigning champs… It's really anyone’s game.

Featured Expert

Caroline Hendershot

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

TOGETHER WITH ADOBE ACROBAT

What’s your favorite part of this summer’s global soccer tournament?

Watching world-class soccer pros play

Countries coming together for some friendly (and fierce) competition

The perfect excuse to host a watch party

A chance to show off some USA pride

Whatever your reason, we partnered with Adobe to create a PDF Space to make learning about players, teams, and multi-national game times easy and shareable with friends.

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

In Our Rotation

PSA: Bagsmart is currently offering up to 30% off select summer bags and totes. Don’t wait on this one.

Here’s our shopping editor’s hack for healthy, home-cooked meals that require zero trips to the grocery store.

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

Wednesday, June 3

🏀 NBA Finals starts

Game one between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs is at 8:30 pm ET. And just like that, history repeats.

🏃‍♀️ Global Running Day

Try for a 5K — this one’s virtual and free through June 7.

Thursday, June 4

⛳ US Women’s Open begins

There’s a new course (the Riviera Country Club), plus a $12 million purse, and this favorite is hoping to score her first Open title.

Saturday, June 6

🏇 Belmont Stakes

It’s the year’s third (and final) big horse race. All eyes are on Golden Tempo and history-making trainer Cherie DeVaux.

Psst…this is just the preview: Subscribe to theSkimm app and never miss a moment.

Tell Us

How many moms actively play in the NWSL?

Together with

Let's Discuss

The French Open's Double Fault

Pick Six

In Our Rotation

Timeout...

Spurs vs. Knicks — who are the players to know?

Featured Expert

Caroline Hendershot

TOGETHER WITH ADOBE ACROBAT

What’s your favorite part of this summer’s global soccer tournament?

In Our Rotation

No Notes

On Our Calendar

Wednesday, June 3

🏀 NBA Finals starts

🏃‍♀️ Global Running Day

Thursday, June 4

⛳ US Women’s Open begins

Saturday, June 6

🏇 Belmont Stakes

Tell Us

How many moms actively play in the NWSL?

Martha Stewart scores again