TENNIS
Upcoming Slam = USOpen begins 08/23 – final 09/13
Big stories (pre)
- Carlos Alcaraz return: Previous World number 1 (currently ranked #3) will complete for and defend his first slam title since January of this year in the Australian Open – which he won . Out with a wrist injury for nearly five months, tennis has been half as exciting without him
- Serena Williams is anticipated to be competing in this year’s US Open. After losing her first round comeback singles match in Wimbledon, the icon is likely to make another appearance despite being the oldest (but obviously the most decorated) player. As of 08/22 – social media has confirmed her mixed doubles debut with Carlos Alcaraz, could not be more excited for that pairing obviously.
- Young American talent!! Naturally, the pressure for a slam hosted by your home country is daunting. Will keep a close eye out for the two Americans in the top 10. Ben Shelton, has had an up and down year – he just recently won the Montreal Open for the second time in a row, but then had an early exit at the Cincy open (likely due to the 48hour turn around) AND Taylor Fritz. Another interesting story will follow Learner Tien competing in his fifth USO at only 20 years old who is maybe my personal favorite American player?????
- SOOOO Sinner just withdrew… (08/21) And Im going to need a few days to recover from this news
Following The USO
Carlos & Serena mixed doubles: this point will live in my head forever. Maybe the 5month hiatus was worth it…. Not sure how this duo can be topped & seeing the classic Carlos athleticism and dive has rejuvenated me for upcoming singles matches
Singles Draw: 08/27/2026
As a newer fan of tennis, I have been so blindly obsessed with following the Sinner/ Alcaraz duo, especially in 2025, that I have not unbiasedly watched the other players/matches. This summer with the Hard court series I’ve been able to leisurely watch the rest of the tour to learn so much more and find some new players to follow and love. Don’t get me wrong – I am anxiously awaiting this Sinner return but it has been fun to discover new narratives and American players the last few weeks.
USOpen Series // North American Hard court Series Takeaways –
Montreal Open: Shelton win!!!!!!! Back to back – always cool to defend a previous year title & his passion is just exciting to watch and not something I see in most other players – that super vocal and aggressive style. My favorite match of the tournament was Jodar v Nakashima on 08/12 : Both are relatively new players to me & I was locked in the whole time on my long drive (oops) – was so impressed with their quality of play
Cincinatti Open: Overall I thought Fritz looks really solid which is great for the upcoming slam. I most enjoyed the Tien v Tiafoe match & now I am even more excited to see more of Jodar – at 19yo this 2026 climb has been insane to watch. Honestly I am speechless after the Tiafoe Fils final, I dont know what just happened, but happy Coco Guaff pulled it off for us anyway – promising for her uso run
If you need any clarification on who/what got me into tennis just watch this video….
(and shout-out to Alexis for the introduction to this very heated rivalry)
FAVORITE MATCHES
Alcaraz v Sinner 2025 Wimbledon Final ( I mean, duh)
Rafa v Kyrgios 2022 Indian Wells Quarterfinal
Medvedev v Alcaraz 2026 Indian Wells Semifinal
Nadal v Djokovic 2013 French Open Semifinal
NFL
Opener 09/09/26 – Super Bowl 02/14/26
Well sadly, I am living in another country where American football is essentially nonexistent & I’m a Jets fan… so naturally my interest in the NFL is dwindling BUT I still enjoy watching & do participate in my fantasy league from abroad
FANTASY TEAM…pending
MY HIGHLIGHT PICKS OF THE WEEK
WEEK 1:
PREM LEAGUE
This is completely new to me… doing my best to follow along as we go for my first season – Mostly because of how much fun I had during 2026 World Cup summer AND my move abroad.
MY SPORTS PODCASTS
Tennis Insider Club with Caro Garcia
Monday Match Analysis -Gill Gross
NFL Daily -Greg Rosenthal