Big Wins Before A Big Game 🎾⚾🏈

Happy Thursday, Smallballers!

Big night ahead… the NFL is finally back! 🙌

But don’t worry, we’re not skipping yesterday’s sports magic. Here are three things you need to know before kickoff!

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1️⃣ Double Bagel Payback? 🍩

About seven weeks ago, Iga Świątek beat Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon final.

It was a rare double bagel: 6–0, 6–0. (The zeros look like bagels!)

Well, last night the two players met again in the US Open quarterfinals.

🎥 Want to see what happened?

WOW! What a win for Anisimova!

This is what she said after that tough Wimbledon loss:

“I told myself, I’ll definitely come out stronger after this. I mean, that's not an easy thing to go through, losing 0–0 in a Grand Slam final. If anything, I can look at it as a positive and something I can look at as motivation going forward.”

Yep, she sure did turn it into a positive! And she’s advancing to the US Open semifinals.

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2️⃣ Leveling Up 🎮

Joining Anisimova in the semis? It’s Naomi Osaka!

A few days ago, we watched her take down #3 Coco Gauff.

Yesterday, Osaka beat #11 Karolína Muchová to reach the semis.

Osaka; image courtesy The Athletic

After the match, she shared the mindset she’s been using during her return to tennis:

“It’s like a video game. You pick it up, and even if you lose a level, you kind of just restart and keep going until you eventually win. I think it’s a little tough at some times, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Love it. In sports, every game is a chance to learn and level up. 🎮🎾

Mario plays tennis, too; image courtesy Fandom

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3️⃣ Comeback or Blowout? 🤯

Yesterday, we watched three of the best hitters in baseball smash home runs.

But last night? One game was better than the rest.

We’re diving into Yankees vs. Astros: bottom of the 6th inning, Yankees lead 4–1.

🎥 Guess the final score. Then hit play!

How close did you get?

And did you see the Yankees get called for a “balk” in the 8th inning?

💬 Want us to explain what that is? Tell us in the comments!

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Tennis? ✅

Baseball? ✅

Now it’s time to get ready for the NFL. 🏈

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