Why would he do that?

The GIST: In a New York minute, US Open finals weekend has arrived, serving up some stacked showdowns. First up, the women’s doubles championship, pitting top-seeded duo Taylor Townsend and Kateřina Siniaková against No. 3 Erin Routliffe and Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski today at 12 p.m. ET.

• Then tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 9 Amanda Anisimova will face off for the women’s singles title, which we’ll preview in full tomorrow morning. So this section is all about the dudes, with two blockbuster semis on the schedule today at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET.

🔥 No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz hungry for revenge against No. 7 Novak Djokovic: Sporting a new ’do, Alcaraz has been practically perfect, not dropping a single set. But Djokovic has had the young Spaniard’s number, knocking him out of the Australian Open in January and defeating him to win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Plus, the Joker has never lost to Alcaraz on hard court.

• That said, in order to secure that record-setting 25th Grand Slam, Djokovic will need to keep up with one of the fittest players on the ATP Tour, a feat that isn’t lost on the 38-year-old.

📈 Can No. 1 Jannik Sinner stay efficient vs. underdog No. 27 Félix Auger-Aliassime?: Defending champ Sinner is known for his clinical tennis — no fuss, no mess, all results — and with 26 consecutive hard-court major wins, “tough to beat” is an understatement. However, you can’t deny momentum, and Canadian Auger-Alliassime has it in spades, with three upsets already this tourney. Buckle up.

The GIST: It’s here — no, not Justin Bieber’s latest surprise album, we’re talking about the high-stakes series between the American League (AL)–leading Toronto Blue Jays and their divisional foes, the NY Yankees.

• This weekend’s three-game slate will have a massive impact on the playoff standings, especially with less than a month of regular-season baseball to go. Swag, on.

🐦 Jays flying to protect three-game AL East lead: Toronto and NY are currently first and second, respectively, in the division, both hoping to claim the AL East crown and the automatic playoff berth that comes with it. Not to mention, the AL East victor could earn a bye straight to the Division Series, avoiding the dreaded Wild Card round. No pressure.

👀 Outfielder George Springer erupting to overcome bullpen woes: It’s been a tale of two sides of the diamond in Toronto, with the stout offense often putting up enough runs to eradicate any harm caused by their struggling relievers. And Springer has been a major driver of that offensive production, leading the squad in home runs while delivering one of the best seasons of his career.

• Meanwhile on the mound, the Jays’ bullpen posted a troubling 4.76 ERA in August, the fifth-worst mark in the majors. They’ll need to close the door, and quickly, especially against the Bronx Bombers beginning tonight at 7:05 p.m. ET.