This Week in Sport: 29th July – 4th August 2019
A tremendous week of sport is in store, with the beginning of the hard court season on the men’s and women’s tennis circuit, one of the most prestigious tournaments in women’s golf, a thrilling Formula 1 grand prix and a fine selection of cricket to look forward to. Unmissable tennis action is on display throughout the week at the Citi Open and Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic. The women’s golfing elite will tee off at the final Major of the year at the British Open. The last grand prix before the summer break takes place in Formula One. There’s blistering T20 action to enjoy all week, and the pinnacle of this cricketing summer begins at Edgbaston, with the first Ashes Test.
Monday 29th July 5:00PM GMT - Tennis: Citi Open Day 1
Some of the biggest names on the men’s tennis circuit descend upon Washington, D.C. for the opening day of the Citi Open.
The absence of tennis’s “big 3” means the draw is wide open. 2014 US Open champion Marin Čilić, former Wimbledon finalists Milos Raonic and Kevin Andersen and home favourite John Isner will all fancy their chances. Andy Murray has confirmed he will team up with his brother Jamie, who himself is a heavily decorated doubles player, in the men’s doubles. Together, the pair were instrumental in Britain’s 2015 Davis Cup victory. With the final Grand Slam of the year on the horizon, an excellent day of tennis is forecast.
Tuesday 30th July 5:30PM GMT - Cricket: Surrey v Kent
The fabulous summer of cricket continues at the Oval, as Surrey take on Kent in the T20 Blast.
England’s premier T20 competition continues with a match between South Group leaders Kent and middle of the pack Surrey. So far, Kent are undefeated in the competition with wins against Somerset, Hampshire and Essex. Meanwhile, Surrey has one win in four, which places them fifth in the group. Kent hope to improve on their Quarter-final finish last year while Surrey are hoping for a late push to propel them into the knockout stage for the first time since 2017. This a match you won’t want to miss.
Wednesday 31st July 5:00PM GMT - Tennis: Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic Day 3
The elite of women’s tennis continue their preparations for the US Open at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic on the WTA Tour.
Defeated Wimbledon semi-finalist Elina Svitolina is the highest ranked player at the tournament. The world number 7 will face stiff competition from the likes of French Open semi-finalist Aryna Sabalenka and 2018 Australian Open semi-finalist Elise Mertens. The great Venus Williams is also in the draw, as is her compatriot CoCo Vandeweghe, who makes her long awaited return from injury. The double Grand Slam semi-finalist will player her first tennis since being sidelined for nine months. With an excitingly open draw, a fantastic day of tennis is on the cards.
Thursday 1st August 10:00AM GMT - Cricket: England v Australia, First Test Day 1
Five tests, two teams, one urn. The most historic tournament in cricket gets underway at Edgbaston, where it’s Day 1 of the first Ashes Test.
England go into the prestigious tournament looking to complete the perfect cricketing summer, having been crowned ODI world champions just over a fortnight ago. They looked like they were being brought back down to earth after a chastising opening day against Ireland. However, England staged a remarkable comeback to bowl Ireland out for 38, ensuring confidence is still high going into the Ashes. Australia will be out for revenge, having been comprehensively beaten by England in the World Cup semi-finals. Let the most compelling sporting event of the year commence!
Friday 2nd August 9:00AM GMT - Golf: AIG Women’s British Open Day 2
The second day of the 43rd edition of the Women’s British Open takes place at the scenic Woburn Golf Club.
This tournament concludes a bumper fortnight of women’s golf, following the Evian Championships in France last week. A world class lineup is promised in Bedfordshire for the final Major of the year. South Korean world numbers one and two Sung Hyun Park and Jin-Young Ko will be in action, alongside 2019 PGA Championship champion Hannah Green. Defending champion and home favourite Georgia Hall returns to the British Open, having famously won her first Major aged just 22 at this very tournament last year. With the finest female golfers on display, watch on as a fascinating four days of golf unfolds.
Saturday 3rd August 10:00AM GMT - Cricket: England v Australia, First Test Day 3
The ancient rivalry resumes at Edgbaston, as England and Australia continue their quest for Ashes glory.
The first Test of the Ashes continues with day 3 of this opening fixture. As the match most likely moves into the second innings, be sure to tune in to see how the teams are faring. England will look to take the first Test and hope to use the momentum to take back the title after being so thoroughly beaten by Australia in 2017. History is on their side as the hosts of the last three Ashes series have won the first Test. Can the world champions find a win? Or will Australia pick up where they left off two years ago?
Sunday 4th August 1:00PM GMT - Formula 1: Hungarian Grand Prix
The final Formula 1 grand prix before the month long summer break takes place in Mogyoród.
After an unforgettable German Grand Prix last weekend, Lewis Hamilton will look to get back on top. He finished 9th in Germany, his lowest finish since he failed to finish at the 2018 Austrian Grand Prix. While it does not put much of a dent in his lead at the top of the standings, the defending champion will be eager to bounce back. Sebastian Vettel, who has been struggling this season, got a boost after finishing second in Germany after starting in last place. He will hope to carry this momentum into the second half of the season. Be sure you don’t miss this race.
Other sporting highlights from around the globe
The Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic takes place on the WTA tour for the duration of the week, as does the Citi Open on the ATP tour. The third and final T20 of the Women’s Ashes gets underway on Wednesday at Bristol County Ground. Further T20 action comes from the United States, where the West Indies face India on Saturday and Sunday. An assortment of T20 Blast fixtures take place across the UK throughout the week. Elsewhere in the UK, cricket comes from Edgbaston, where the first Ashes Test could stretch for five days. On the LPGA Tour, the British Open runs from Thursday through to Sunday, whilst on the PGA Tour, the Wyndham Championship takes place for the same duration. Prudential RideLondon, the annual London 2012 commemoration cycling event, takes place over the weekend. The EFL Championship is back, with the opening round of fixtures kicking off on Friday. Premier League champions Manchester City play Champions League winners Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday. MotoGP action comes from the Czech Republic for the Czech grand prix.
A world class week of sport awaits. Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
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Photos by ATP Tour, Surrey Cricket, WTA Tennis, Woburn Golf Club, Formula 1
Written and information accurate on 28th July at 10pm GMT