The Best Show Down Under

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The Best Show Down Under

What’s going on: If Naomi Osaka’s jaw-dropping haute couture tennis ’fit didn’t already do it, consider this your official welcome to the Australian Open. From now until February 1, the first Grand Slam of the tennis calendar will, quite literally, serve. On the line: the AO title and a record $75 million in total prize money. With over a week left, there have already been plenty of highlights — from Venus Williams’s history-making moment and this touching display of humanity to the one-point knockout that had all the pros on their feet. It’s a good thing Challengers prepared us for all the highs and lows — and yes, this is how we watch tennis now.

Tell me more: With tens of thousands of fans flooding Melbourne Park, the three-week event has reached peak Coachella-level vibes (Roland Garros, take note). It’s all courtesy of the tourney’s DJ sets, trivia games, meet-and-greets, and more. On the court, expect to see Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys try to defend their respective titles. Just don’t rule out Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed in the women’s bracket, or Coco Gauff, who’s made headlines for spilling a few postmatch locker-room secrets. All eyes are also on Iga Świątek as she competes to take home the final missing piece of her Grand Slam career. No matter what, we hope Osaka delivers another ’fit that breaks the internet — maybe this time, she’ll pick one that’s Labubu inspired.

Related: These Delicious Treats Understood the Australian Open Assignment (Broadsheet)

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Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.

Is this the Patriots' comeback moment?

The New England Patriots are back in the AFC Championship Game this Sunday for the first time since the 2018 season, and for the first time in the post–Tom Brady era. And this year, the new pieces finally clicked — together. QB Drake Maye elevated the offense in his second season and now plays at an MVP level under head coach Mike Vrabel (who played for the Patriots from 2001–08). Add offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and a roster that fell into place, and New England looks like a well-oiled machine again. Many fans rooted against the Kansas City Chiefs, hoping for chaos. Instead, football delivered a stubbornly familiar AFC script — one that circles right back to the Patriots.

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