Look, it’s been quite the stretch for college sports — so I want to show these athletes some love. The highlights from the UCA and UDA College Nationals have taken over my feed, and as a former pom girl (yes, it feels like a lifetime ago), I’m here for every single cheer and dance move. Indiana University QB Fernando Mendoza’s tear-jerking moment on the field also triggered all the feels — trust me, it’ll make you want to call your mom. Meanwhile, I’m considering taking a page from Miami’s playbook and whipping up a cafecito shot to get through these freezing temps, though I’ll make mine decaf. Before we dive in, can somebody check on Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson (and his very distracting quads)? He was rooting for a different CFP outcome. Now, let’s get to the other sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
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The Best Show Down Under
What’s going on: If Naomi Osaka’s jaw-dropping haute couture tennis ’fit didn’t already do it, consider this your official welcome to the Australian Open. From now until February 1, the first Grand Slam of the tennis calendar will, quite literally, serve. On the line: the AO title and a record $75 million in total prize money. With over a week left, there have already been plenty of highlights — from Venus Williams’s history-making moment and this touching display of humanity to the one-point knockout that had all the pros on their feet. It’s a good thing Challengers prepared us for all the highs and lows — and yes, this is how we watch tennis now.
Tell me more: With tens of thousands of fans flooding Melbourne Park, the three-week event has reached peak Coachella-level vibes (Roland Garros, take note). It’s all courtesy of the tourney’s DJ sets, trivia games, meet-and-greets, and more. On the court, expect to see Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys try to defend their respective titles. Just don’t rule out Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed in the women’s bracket, or Coco Gauff, who’s made headlines for spilling a few postmatch locker-room secrets. All eyes are also on Iga Świątek as she competes to take home the final missing piece of her Grand Slam career. No matter what, we hope Osaka delivers another ’fit that breaks the internet — maybe this time, she’ll pick one that’s Labubu inspired.
