It’s a thrilling time for D.C. sports. The Commanders are back in action with organized team activities (OTAs), the Mystics’ young core is turning heads, Hyattsville’s very own Frances Tiafoe is lighting up the U.S. Open, and so much more.
From rising stars to electrifying moments, here’s everything you need to know from the high-energy week in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Commanders Kick Off Phase 3 of OTAs
The Washington Commanders are bringing a bold flair to their 2025 campaign as they kick-start Phase 3 of organized team activities.
Head coach Dan Quinn is setting the tone early as competition heats up following a strong recruitment push by general manager Adam Peters.
With expectations sky-high after last season’s NFC championship game run, every rep counts. While the roster is looking deeper and more talented, some players are already making bold impressions.
“You got the core guys that set the standard, you know we got those guys back, we’re bringing in new people and you know we’re holding them to that standard,” said Daniels.
Several young standouts are rising to the occasion at the start of Phase 3 OTAs, none more impressive than quarterback Jayden Daniels. After a historic rookie campaign, Daniels returned looking more muscular and polished in form.
With a strengthened offensive line and new weapons at his disposal, he is picking up right where he left off showing leadership and top-tier precision.
His unwavering commitment to grow has clearly set the tone in Washington as the franchise is building around him for the long haul. Despite early predictions of a sophomore slump, Daniels continued growth indicates otherwise.
Wide receivers Deebo Samuel Jr. and Jaylin Lane are making bold impressions on offense in OTAs. Samuel is looking leaner and more explosive, while Lane showcased his blazing speed and route-running skills against top defenders.
With Terry McLaurin absent in OTAs amid ongoing contract negotiations, both receivers are capitalizing on their opportunities and demonstrating strong potential to contribute early this upcoming season.
On the defensive side, second year cornerback Mike Sainristil has embraced a bigger role showcasing elite instincts and adaptability in and outside of the slot. With Marshon Lattimore’s absence in voluntary workouts, Sainristil has stepped up as a leader in the secondary, and consistently disrupted receivers during OTAs.
Meanwhile, rookie cornerback Trey Amos is also turning heads grabbing multiple interceptions in front of the media and making a case for early playing time this upcoming season.
This past week featured strong impressions that have surely energized the Commanders’ coaching staff. However, Quinn emphasized hard work will lead the team to a successful season.
“We know everything’s not gonna be given to us,” he said. “We’ve got to go out there and earn it each and every day.”
Mystics Roar Out of Three-Game Slump, Rookies Make History Along the Way
The Washington Mystics secured the first-ever WNBA Charm City win with a 83-77 victory over the Indiana Fever on May 28 at CFG Bank Arena, breaking out of their three-game slump.
Despite the Fever not having Caitlin Clark due to a left quadriceps injury strain ruling her out for at least two weeks, the Mystics were determined to make a bold statement playing a hard-fought game.
Guard Britney Sykes led the charge racking up 21 points, nine rebounds, and her milestone 1,000 career rebound, also coming up clutch on both ends down the stretch.
Shakira Austin added a season-high of 13 points to the team win as well. Rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron continued to shine as they both extended their double-digit scoring streaks to six games.
Iriafen’s 16-point, eight-rebound effort reinforced her role as a consistent presence within the inside for Washington, while Citron chipped in 13 points and seven boards in poised performance.
A Nigerian-American, Iriafen also made WNBA history, becoming the first Mystics rookie to record three consecutive double-doubles, joining the ranks of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Satou Sabally in the record books.
While their win against the Indiana Fever set a new testament to the team’s rebuilding era, their 85-63 loss to New York Liberty shaped the team’s perspective moving forward.
The undefeated Liberty (6-0) cruised past the Mystics, extending their best start in franchise history. New York took control of the game early and broke the game open in the third quarter with a 16-0 run capitalizing on the Mystics’ lack of offensive production as they shot 28% from the field.
Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu led the charge notching 28 points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Liberty center Jonquel Jones contributed to the win with a dominant performance on both sides of the ball racking up 14 points, 18 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Despite the loss to the Liberty, with the veterans setting the pace and the rookies making notable advancements, the Mystics are quickly emerging as a top contending team in the WNBA.
Sykes led the Mystics with 20 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while also hitting a major milestone of 3,000 career points in the WNBA.
“It’s just a blessing to be able to reach the type of milestone like that. I’m really grateful that I got to reach it here in D.C,” Sykes said. “They’ve really provided a space for me to just really do what I do best.”
She emphasized that it’s a team effort.
“I’m just really grateful for them and thankful that I’ve reached that milestone in my career,” Skyes continued. “I couldn’t have done it without the people I share that floor with.”
Hyattville’s Own Frances Tiafoe Storms Into Fourth Round Of French Open
Frances Tiafoe, Hyattsville’s dynamic tennis superstar, is turning heads in Paris.
The No. 15 seed has stormed his way into round four of the French Open, delivering three straight-set victories that signal that he is locked and ready for more.
Tiafoe started as a force to be reckoned with at Roland-Garros, notching a 6–4, 7–5, 6–4 victory over Russia’s Roman Safiullin, following it up with a dominant performance against Spain’s Pablo Carreño Busta, cruising to a 6–4, 6–3, 6–1 victory on May 28.
Now he has taken down fellow U.S. opponent and No. 23 seed, Sebastian Korda in a nail-biting match now leading to a storming appearance in the fourth round. Tiafoe defeated Korda 7-6, 6-3, 6-4.
In the fourth round, he defeated No. 16 seed, Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, 6-6-7, on June 1.
With only two rounds left in Roland-Garros, the stakes remain very high as Tiafoe strives to reach a milestone in American history, a French Open win.
“I feel like when I’m mentally right and having fun, I can beat anybody,” Tiafoe told reporters last week in Paris.
