USWNT loses the battle in Brazil

What does it take to defend against a four-time WNBA MVP?

US falls to Brazil to open June friendlies

The USWNT lost the battle on Saturday, falling to Brazil 2-1 in a tense, physical matchup inside São Paulo’s raucous Neo Química Arena.

• Sophia Wilson proved an early bright spot for the US, scoring the team’s lone goal in the second minute — her first international tally since 2024.

• But the team quickly conceded, as Tainá Maranhão netted an 11th-minute strike before KC Current alum Bia Zaneratto notched the 14th-minute game-winner. (Watch full highlights)

Big picture: Despite failing to equalize, the USWNT built a strong second-half response, with coach Emma Hayes identifying positives amid the adversity.

• “It was an amazing atmosphere and it’s one that, as much as I can prepare my team for this, you don’t really know until you experience it,” Hayes said of the crowd. “If we want things to be easy, we stay home and we play in LA or somewhere else. But we don’t choose easy.”

• “I’m really proud of our team because we stayed level-headed and we still created opportunities,” captain Lindsey Heaps said. “But it’s about having that experience to get that goal back and walk away with a result.” (See full report)

Up next: The US will try to split the series on Tuesday at 8:30 PM ET, live on TNT.

Mystics fight growing pains in Dream loss

No. 11 Washington hit the brakes this weekend, as the Mystics offense collapsed in Saturday’s 109-77 loss to No. 2 Atlanta — the third-highest margin of defeat in team history.

• Washington head coach Sydney Johnson overshadowed the stumble, getting ejected and escorted out after repeatedly arguing with officials.

• “I don’t want to take away from Atlanta playing really hard and from us having a learning moment for our team,” Johnson said afterward. “Not a great moment for our team or me.” (Watch full highlights)

Growing pains: With an average age of 23.4, the WNBA’s youngest squad has battled to a 4-5 record while continuing to struggle against experienced opponents.

• “In terms of the youth of our roster, you’ve kind of got to earn your way in the W,” Johnson added. “And frankly, we’re up for that challenge.”

• “We just need to play better team defense and communicate more,” said star guard Sonia Citron. “We’ve got to help each other out.” (See full report)

Tune in: Washington returns tonight against Indiana at 7 PM ET, live on Peacock.

Point differential fuels Commissioners Cup race

The 2026 Commissioners Cup is gaining speed, as the WNBA’s annual in-season tournament spotlights a growing points differential battle.

• Minnesota leads the West with a 3-0 record and +57 point differential, topping No. 2 Dallas (2-0, +31) and No. 3 Las Vegas (2-0, +15).

• 2-0 New York claims the East’s only unbeaten record, but the Liberty’s +23 point differential trails 2-1 Atlanta’s +36. (See full standings)

Ace high: Las Vegas could pour on the points tonight, taking on a last-place Storm squad carrying a five-game losing streak into the Western showdown.

• The Aces are on a roll, after guard Chelsea Gray broke head coach Becky Hammon’s all-time franchise assists record with 1,134 in Saturday’s win over Golden State.

• “She’s awesome, it’s unbelievable,” Hammon said of Gray. “She’s one of the greatest to ever do it.” (Watch full highlights)

Tune in: Las Vegas faces Seattle tonight at 10 PM ET, live on USA.

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Mirra Andreeva wins 1st French Open title

World No. 6 Mirra Andreeva is on the board, lifting her first Grand Slam trophy after Saturday’s straight-set French Open win over qualifier Maja Chwalińska.

• The 19-year-old became the tournament’s youngest women’s singles champion since Monica Seles in 1992, and the first Russian woman to win Roland Garros since Maria Sharapova in 2014.

• “I’ve had a lot of thoughts on how it’s going to happen, if it’s going to happen, when it’s going to happen,” Andreeva said. “The feeling in real life is so much better.” (Watch full highlights)

Bright future: After bursting onto the scene at 15, Andreeva’s first major title marks a highly anticipated milestone.

• “I’m just happy I kept my focus, kept my composure,” she said, thanking her sports psychologist for her mental strides.

Nelly Korda lifts 1st US Women’s Open trophy

World No. 1 Nelly Korda conquered the Open, scoring her first-ever US Women’s Open victory on Sunday to claim her second straight LPGA major this year.

• The win came down to Korda’s final putt — a birdie that kissed rim of the 18th hole to beat No. 7 Charley Hull and No. 22 Gaby Lopez by a single shot.

• “It’s even sweeter, especially with that ice cream swirl on the last hole,” Korda said afterwards. (Watch full highlights)

Gaining steam: The 27-year-old’s long-awaited US Open win cements a recent return to form, as Korda picks up her fourth 2026 title across eight starts.

• “I don’t know if a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders, but I think I’m just extremely proud of my fight this week, and [fulfilling] the dream of that little girl,” she reflected. (See full leaderboard)

Quote of the day

Tennis legend Serena Williams
on returning to the court for this week’s HSBC Championships in London.