And more importantly, happy WNBA playoffs tip-off day. Keep an eye on your inbox this afternoon for a special edition newsletter celebrating the occasion.

• Another way to celebrate? By entering to win a $500 Under Armour gift card — each person you refer to The GIST between now and midnight counts as an entry. Get your share on, then let’s jump into today’s news.

It’s an honor to be recognized as the best in the league. Since I started in the WNBA in 2016, just trying to get better. Elevate myself and the team, the league as a whole. A big honor, but we’re motivated by more and that’s trying to win a championship.

The GIST: While the countdown to this month’s US Open (the final major of the season and likely the last of Serena Williams’ career) is on, the stars are serving up some upsets at the Western & Southern Open in Ohio. Somebody call Drake.

Women’s: In last night’s rare blockbuster Round of 64 matchup, defending US Open champ No. 10 Emma Raducanu reigned supreme, taking down Serena in straight sets — Williams’ second early exit since announcing her plans for retirement earlier this month.

• The 40-year-old gave teen sensation Raducanu a run for her money in the first set (6-4) but struggled to keep up in the second, falling 6-0. *sniffs*

• Some other top contenders were also stunningly eliminated in the first round, with fan-favorite Naomi Osaka, No. 11 Coco Gauff and last year’s US Open runner-up No. 13 Leylah Fernandez bounced in straight sets. You hate to see it.

Men’s: Meanwhile, things are just heating up in the men’s draw. After receiving a bye in the first round, No. 2 Rafael Nadal joins the party today as he takes on Borna Coric in the Round of 32. Elsewhere, defending US Open champ and world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev is already through to the Round of 16 after taking down Botic van de Zandschulp last night.

• As for Novak Djokovic? He’s a no-show due to the tourney’s vaccine mandate but could still be in contention to play at the US Open as the States continue to roll back COVID-19 restrictions. Not this sh!t again.

The GIST: Summer’s in full swing on the diamond where Texas claimed the Little League World Series (LLWS) Softball title on Monday. Now, baseball’s stepping up to the plate with the LLWS getting underway today. Batter up!

The format: The LLWS brings 10 U.S. and 10 international squads of 10- to 12-year-old All-Stars to Williamsport, PA, for a week and a half of competition unlike any other. Those squads are divided into one double-elimination U.S. bracket and one double-elimination international bracket, with the winners of each side squaring off in a winner-take-all final.

The favorites: Keep an eye on Chinese Taipei, who will look to add to their international record of 17 LLWS titles. Another top contender? Japan, who’s in the hunt for their 12th trophy.

• As for the U.S. squads, Hawaii, the 2018 champs, are saying aloha to the tourney once again. But our favorite team has to be Utah, featuring Falynn Randall, who will be the 21st girl to play in Williamsport. Play ball, baby.

⛳ Golf: BMW Championship — Tomorrow through Sunday — ESPN+

• American Will Zalatoris aims to make it two wins in a row when the PGA Championship action continues in Wilmington, Delaware. In his way? The strong Scottie Scheffler and storied pro Rory McIlroy.

🤸 U.S. Gymnastics Championships — Tomorrow through Sunday — NBC Sports

• Olympians Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles headline the four-day competition to select the women’s and men’s squads ahead of October’s world championships. So flippin’ excited.

🏈 NFL: Chicago Bears vs. Seattle Seahawks — Tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET — ESPN

• Pull out your jersey and eye black — Thursday Night Football preseason action features a thrilling battle of two squads with major quarterback questions. Intriguing.

The 200th (!!!) episode of The GIST of It podcast. Before our special edition hits your inbox this afternoon, tune in as Ellen Hyslop and guest host Lauren Tuiskula take you through a fun, in-depth breakdown of the WNBA playoffs. It’s almost tip-off time.

Team USA’s IIHF Women’s Worlds roster, featuring Hilary Knight, who’s making her USA Hockey record 12th appearance on the list. Talk about longevity.

The NBA. They announced yesterday that teams will not play any games on November 8th, instead encouraging fans to vote in the nation’s critical midterm elections. The ultimate slam dunk.

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