I think I just had one of the sportiest weekends of my life. I’m athletics-hungover, you could say. I watched the US Open, the FIBA World Cup, and football. We must wonder how many sports one has the capacity to truly care about. I feel like if you’re really paying attention, it’s three max.
We also had a very fun Good Sport event last night: Sports PowerPoint Party. Our speakers treated us to a perfect blend of funny, interesting, and compelling talks. Thank you, Blazers, for hosting us <3 and thanks to everyone who came out.
Now here’s your newsletter.
NYC women’s sports news & culture
Here’s what you should know this week.
Elena Rybakina wins her first US Open. This slam could not have gone better for the Kazakhstani player, who clinched the World No. 1 ranking and won the whole damn thing in NYC, despite coming into the tournament with a foot injury. She defeated hometown favorite Coco Gauff in the semifinals and Aryna Sabalenka in the finals, the latter of whom she had just overtaken in the rankings. The ever-stoic Rybakina came into this tournament looking to cement herself as a force to be reckoned with after an up-and-down few years, and it’s safe to say it was mission accomplished. More on what was at stake for her here.
Elena Rybakina after winning the US Open. Photo Credit: Getty Images A nice thing about the women’s finals is we didn’t have to watch a man with multiple domestic violence allegations play tennis. Hunter Harris said it best:
Taylor Townsend had a US Open that she—and everyone else—will never forget. First, the doubles specialist had a great singles run, reaching the Round of 16 before losing to Sabalenka, the #1 seed. But the real highlight: Townsend won the US Open doubles championship with her partner, Kateřina Siniaková. This marked the pair's completion of a Career Grand Slam, which for anyone less familiar means a player (or a doubles duo) wins all four major tournaments at some point during their career. Townsend’s star is rising on and off the court, and she’s doing it her way, with brand collaborations, authentic pressers, and fashion pop-ups in Bed-Stuy. Can’t help but root for her.
Taylor Townsend and Kateřina Siniaková celebrate their win. Photo Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images. Team USA wins its fifth FIBA World Cup in a 97-79 victory over France. That’s five consecutive wins, btw. ’Twas a Liberty family affair at this tournament: It marked the first time in history that a WNBA team had players on each World Cup semifinal team, which makes me test positive for New York pride. Breanna Stewart was named MVP of the tournament, and she had 22 points and nine rebounds in the final game. I’m sad for our girls, Marine Johannès and Pauline Astier, on Team France, but hopefully it gives ‘em some juice to play hard for the Liberty coming back to the W this week.
The NY Heights head to a decisive Game 3 in the WPBL semifinals. After losing Game 1, the NY Heights leveled the series and won Game 2 against the LA Queens 9-7, thanks to back-to-back home runs. Game 3 is tonight (Monday 9/14), and it’s win or go home. LFG Heights.
What to watch this week
Monday 9/14
⚾ The New York Heights play the Los Angeles Queens in a decisive Game 3 of their WPBL semifinal series at 7:00 pm ET at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, IL. Watch on ESPN Select.
Friday 9/18
🏀 The NY Liberty are at the Minnesota Lynx at 7:30 pm ET. This is New York's first game back from the WNBA's FIBA Women's World Cup break. Watch on ION.
Saturday 9/19
⚽ Gotham FC is at NC Courage at 6:30 pm ET. Watch on ION.
And that’s a wrap…
Thanks for reading, as always! New pod episode coming later this week <3