Week Ahead

SI Pick of the Week
MONDAY 8/28

Open Season

Nothing like a hearty helping of humble pie to get you ready for a big tennis tournament. At least that's what Roger Federer (above) is hoping. In his final tune-up before the U.S. Open, top-ranked Federer lost in straight sets to unheralded 19-year-old Andy Murray in Mason, Ohio--his first nonfinal loss in 14 months. Federer will still be the smart pick to win in Flushing Meadows (before losing he had a 55-match winning streak in North America, but the sentimental favorite will be Andre Agassi), the two-time Open champ who will call it quits after the tournament. (Through Sept. 10.) Check listings

THURSDAY 8/24

U.S. Amateur Championship It might not be Tiger-Phil, but a Jonathan-Webb showdown would be pretty intense nonetheless. The top-ranked amateur in the country, Jonathan Moore, led Oklahoma State to the national championship, while Webb Simpson of Wake Forest is No. 3. They'll lead the 312-golfer field in Chaska, Minn. Thursday and Friday Golf Channel 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday NBC 4 p.m.

FRIDAY 8/25

In Theaters: Invincible Dreams do come true--no kidding. Just ask Vince Papale. In 1976 the 30-year-old down-on-his-luck bartender made the Eagles as a wide receiver after attending an open tryout. Mark Wahlberg stars as Papale, but keep an eye on the sideline: The real Papale has a role as an Eagles assistant coach.

Major League Lacrosse playoffs What do Steve Nash and Joe Thornton have in common with Boston Cannons attackman Conor Gill? All three are the top playmakers in their respective sports. Gill (below) led the MLL in assists for the fourth straight season this year and was the league's scoring champ as well. The Cannons take on Philadelphia in the second semifinal; top-seeded Denver faces San Francisco in the opener. Semifinals webcast (www.budlight.com) 9 p.m.; Final Sunday ESPN2 5 p.m.

SATURDAY 8/26

High School Football: Glades Central ( Fla.) at Byrnes ( S.C.) College football is still weeks away and, really, who wants to watch NFL preseason games? So your best bet for gridiron action this weekend is this prep showdown. Both Byrnes (ranked No. 17 by SI) and Glades Central (No. 20) feature prominent D-I recruits, including Byrnes's Clemson-bound quarterback, Willy Korn (left), who threw for 4,164 yards and 53 touchdowns last season. ESPN noon