Happy Friday, everyone! Carter Burns here, stepping in for Zack. This summer weekend is packed with excitement, featuring the MLB Draft, the upcoming All-Star Game, and Wimbledon’s semifinals continuing today.
Wimbledon spotlight: Amanda Anisimova is just one win away from claiming her first Grand Slam title. The American stunned top seed Alina Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set match, earning her spot in the Wimbledon final against Iga Swiatek this Saturday at Center Court. Reflecting on her achievement, Anisimova expressed disbelief at reaching the final, acknowledging the historic significance as she aims to become the first American to win Wimbledon since Serena Williams in 2016. The U.S. continues its strong streak in tennis, with recent major champions like Jess Pegula, Madison Keys, and Coco Gauff making waves.
On the men’s side, Taylor Fritz hopes to be the next American male champion as he faces Carlos Alcaraz before a high-stakes semifinal match featuring top seeds Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. Predictions for these matches are available in the Sports Line section.
Honorable mentions in sports news include the Thunder securing a massive rookie extension for Jalen Williams, the Pelicans extending Herbert Jones, and a thrilling Yankees comeback against the Mariners highlighted by Brian U’s clutch performance. In baseball, Brent Lucker and Jazz Chisholm shone in the Home Run Derby, while David Peterson earned his first All-Star nod. LSU bolstered its 2026 recruiting class with star defensive line recruit Lamar Brown. In basketball, Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely to stay with the Bucks, Stephen Curry may bring back Al Horford to the Warriors, and the Heat have added Norman Powell. WNBA star Jay Sheldon celebrates making dreams come true with her signature shoes, and Joe Johnson will return to BIG3 action Sunday in Boston.
In Yankees news, Clark Schmidt underwent his second Tommy John surgery and may miss the rest of the season and potentially all of 2026. His absence adds to a rotation already strained by injuries to Gerrit Cole, Lewis Gill, Ryan Yarbrough, and Marcus Stroman. Schmidt had been pitching impressively before his injury, boasting a 3.32 ERA and striking out 73 in 78.2 innings.
Cooper Flagg’s NBA Summer League debut was a tough outing, struggling with shooting but showing promise in other areas. Despite missing all five three-point attempts and not scoring in the second half, Flagg’s ability to adapt and minimize turnovers is seen as a positive sign for his development.
In boxing, the legendary rivalry between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano culminates in a trilogy fight Friday night. Serrano, favored to win the junior welterweight title, aims to claim victory after splitting the first two bouts. Their matches have made history in women’s boxing, with the rematch breaking viewership records. The third fight is expected to be another classic showdown.
Meanwhile, the NCAA Tournament Expansion debate remains unresolved, with the field still set at 68 teams amid discussions of potentially expanding to 72 or 76 teams in the future. The conversation reflects a split between public opposition and NCAA leadership who see benefits in expansion.
Here’s what you can catch this weekend:
– Friday: Wimbledon men’s semifinals, NBA Summer League, Tigers vs. Mariners game, Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano boxing, along with MLB games and NBA action.
– Saturday: Wimbledon women’s final, NBA Summer League, MLB All-Star Futures Game, and MLB Celebrity Softball.
– Sunday: Wimbledon men’s final, NBA games, FIFA Club World Cup finals between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, and more NBA Summer League.
Fan Take: Amanda Anisimova’s breakthrough at Wimbledon signals a promising new chapter for American tennis, inspiring fans and players alike. Meanwhile, the intense rivalry in women’s boxing between Taylor and Serrano continues to elevate the sport’s profile, showcasing the power and skill of female athletes on a global stage. This weekend’s events highlight the exciting growth and competitive spirit across multiple sports for passionate fans to enjoy.
