Some housekeeping before we dive in: we’re doing our best Ross Geller impression and taking a break for Canada Day and the Fourth of July, so this will be our last weekday newsletter until next Wednesday, July 6th. Miss you already.

• That said, keep an eye out for our Sunday Scroll as per usual. Plus, our sports biz newsletter will still be published on Friday, meaning it’s a great time to subscribe if you haven’t already. Click that link, then get scrolling.

It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.

The GIST: Three hundred sixty-four days after tearing her hamstring at last year’s edition of Wimbledon, tennis legend Serena Williams made her triumphant return to the court yesterday. And while she lost in a thrilling tiebreaker, the 40-year-old’s comeback is still worth celebrating.

Serena’s return: Williams fell to France’s unseeded Harmony Tan in an exhilarating back-and-forth match that lasted over three hours. The loss means Williams’ quest for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam trophy continues, but her strong play is a hopeful sign, especially with the U.S. Open set for later this summer. Expect at least another go from the GOAT.

Other big stories: Meanwhile, world No. 1 Iga Świątek is cementing her own legacy. She easily defeated Jana Fett in straight sets yesterday for her 36th consecutive win — surpassing Venus Williams to set a new 21st century record.

• As for the men, last year’s runner-up Matteo Berrettini sadly had to withdraw before his first round match after testing positive for COVID-19. Heartbreaking.

The Americans: Along with Serena, a handful of other Americans suffered unexpected early exits, including Sloane Stephens and No. 7 seed Danielle Collins. That said, there are still plenty of red, white and blue fan-favorites to cheer for, including teen phenom Coco Gauff, who rallied from behind to defeat Elena-Gabriela Ruse in three sets yesterday. You go, Glen Coco.

• On the men’s side, keep an eye on Maxime Cressy, who upset top contender Canada’s No. 6 Félix Auger-Aliassime in four sets yesterday. How’s that for a Wimbledon debut?

🏀 WNBA: On Monday morning, 130 days after being wrongfully detained in Russia, Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner appeared in court for a preliminary hearing on her alleged cannabis possession, where her detention was extended another six months and a start date for her trial was set for Friday, July 1st.

• The scariest part? Griner faces a potential 10 years in prison. Time to bring her home.

⚽️ USWNT: Thanks to an own goal and one goal from Kelley O'Hara, the squad topped Colombia 2–0 in yesterday’s friendly, their final tune-up match before the CONCACAF W Championship begins on July 4th.

• The team outscored opponents 23–1 in their April and June tune-ups, a sign of the offensive prowess they’ll hope to display with Olympic and World Cup berths on the line. Get ready for some fireworks.

🏀 NBA: With free agency starting tomorrow at 6 p.m. ET, squads are frantically attempting to lock in their top players before they have a chance to negotiate with other teams. The biggest name in the headlines? Brooklyn Nets’ star Kyrie Irving who, despite reportedly wanting out, “dare[d] to be different” and opted into his $36.5M contract to stick with the squad for another year. Didn’t expect that one.

• Elsewhere, five-time All-Star John Wall reportedly plans to sign with the LA Clippers after being benched for the entirety of the last season due to a dispute about his role with the Houston Rockets. Maybe the veteran will finally get his Hollywood ending.

🥍 World Lacrosse Women’s World Championships: Team USA vs. Team Canada — Tonight at 7 p.m. ET — ESPN2

• Team USA — looking to four-peat as defending champions — will attempt to top their neighbors to the north.

🏀 WNBA: Indiana Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury — Tonight at 10 p.m. ET — NBA TV

• The Fever are looking for revenge after Monday’s 83–71 trouncing by the Diana Taurasi–led Mercury. This’ll be good.

⚾ MLB: Houston Astros vs. NY Mets — Today at 1:10 p.m. ET — MLB TV

• The Astros just swept the Mets last week, and they’ll have the chance to do it again against their old rival in this afternoon’s finale of the two-game set. Play ball.

Yesterday’s episode of The GIST of It podcast. Join co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz as they detail all the sports in the courts, including how overturning Roe v. Wade affects athletes, the Deshaun Watson trial, and the latest on Brittney Griner.

• Want to be notified when a new episode drops? Update your preferences and we’ll email you. On brand.

The Betches newsletter, a twice-weekly email written by women, for women that breaks down the latest in pop culture. From streaming recommendations to the hottest celebrity gossip, you’ll never have to ask, “Who’s Jack Harlow?” (looking at you, NBA ref Scott Foster). Subscribe here.

*P.S. This is a sponsored post. Support companies that help keep this newsletter free for you!