Even though I was away in Charleston, I set my alarm every morning at 6 AM to get up, drink coffee and watch grass court tennis with my Dad, George. Quality time! George is a proud, delightful Democrat like me, and in between points, we did a lot of praising EDubs (#ElizaBEST) and shit-talking the masticated carrot in the White House with his “pew pew” tank party.
Yes! Fourth star. Back to back. Congrats to the record breakers on the @USWNT, an incredible team that’s always pushing themselves—and the rest of us—to be even better. Love this team. #OneNationOneTeam
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 7, 2019
Malignant melanoma runs in my family, so I also spent a lot of prime beach hours on the couch — in a bathing suit — stuffing my face with Patsy’s pimento cheese and cheering on the American women (and Rafa). Further giving me reason to avoid the sun, on Tuesday afternoon we got American ladies playing in the semis of the World Cup!
How did I spend my summer vacation? Spazzing out all week over American women kicking ass on the grass, whether it was the tennis court or the pitch. Lee Greenwood needs a 2.0 version of that “Bless this Mess the USA” song with new references to Title IX, penalty kicks, and drop shots. A song for everyone, really, since Republicans love shots (from guns). Let’s hear it for our girls!
USWNT
THAT POSE. ICONIC. pic.twitter.com/xMTe3YhvjX
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 7, 2019
I watch soccer when the USA team is in the World Cup. That means I skipped the men’s World Cup in 2018, but I was all in for the women this summer. What is that saying about the lottery? You can’t win if you don’t play. Right boys?
Our American women backed up their charming bravado with winning the whole damn thing. I don’t understand what “offsides” means, but I understand good side eye and Rose Lavelle’s second half goal was the equivalent of Hillary Clinton brushing off her shoulder in front of Trey Gowdy.
Megan Rapinoe has me re-thinking my hair color, and I am going to use my July clothing budget on one of the new Championship jerseys. Pay these women!
Alison Riske
At age 29, Ali Riske is having the tournament of her life. She’s into her first Wimbledon quarterfinal, after a win over world #1, Ash Barty.
During her press conference following her 4th round win, Riske gave some great advice which we could all use in both tennis and in life: If you miss a shot, forgive yourself if you are trying to execute and do the right thing, and “things will turn my way eventually.”
Coco Gauff
What a week for Coco Gauff! The 15-year-old phenom took out her hero, Venus Williams, in the first round and followed it up with victories against Magdalena Rybarikova and then Polona Hercog.
While she lost to Simona Halep in the 4th round, Coco’s 3rd round match was the stuff of legend. When she was down a set and 5-2 most of my family bailed and went back to the beach. Not me, my nephew, and godmother! We BELIEVED in Coco and watched her come back from match points against her to win 3-6, 7-6, 7-5. We lost our minds.
My nephew, Grant, and I watching #CocoGauff win. You can’t see me hitting his knee the entire point. #wimbeldon pic.twitter.com/lwKRF3VIcH
— Amy (@BlessAmysHeart) July 5, 2019
Serena Williams
Serena is looking resplendent this week, with a custom Swarovski crystal Nike swoosh on her kit and a band-aid she borrowed from daughter, Olympia. You have not lived until you hear my Dad try to pronounce “Swarovski.” Serena is staying healthy and move on to a quarterfinal match against…(checks notes)…Ali Riske! Gah! Who am I going to pull for? Duh. My queen Serena. (Amy’s note: Serena won, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3)
