This Week in Sport: 2nd – 8th September 2019
After August provided us with countless sporting memories, September looks set to continue in a similar vain starting with a jam-packed week of unmissable sport. There will be seven days of action from the US Open with the trophies being handed out at the weekend.The vital fourth Test of the Ashes gets underway at Old Trafford, with England and Australia battling to take control of the series. The Vuelta a España travels from Andorra to the south of France for a thrilling time trial stage. The NFL returns with a Week One match-up that sees the next instalment in a nearly century-old rivalry with the Chicago Bears hosting the Green Bay Packers.
Monday 2nd September 4:00PM GMT – Tennis: 2019 US Open Day 8
The Round of 16 continues at the US Open in Flushing Meadows.
All eyes on will be on the big names in today’s US Open action. Defending women’s champion Naomi Osaka continues her attempted run towards the final in a match against Belinda Bencic. Meanwhile, 2017 men’s champion Rafael Nadal looks to move past Marin Čilić. Elsewhere, German superstar Alexander Zverev also looks to make the Quarterfinals. However, it’s not just the big names in action. Young Americans like Taylor Townsend and Kristie Ahn will also be in action today after inspirational performances so far. You won’t want to miss any of the action.
Tuesday 3rd September 11:00AM GMT – Cycling: Vuelta a España
Racing resumes in France for the tenth stage of Vuelta a España.
After a rest day, the Vuelta a España’s gets back underway. Today’s stage, taking place in southern France, is an individual time trial. Riders will compete to record the best times over 36.2km between Jurançon and Pau. Nairo Quintana currently wears the red jersey with a lead of only six seconds. However, this edition of the race has been particularly competitive, with the leader changing almost daily. After nine stages, six men have worn the red jersey. This is going to be a thrilling stage.
Wednesday 4th September 11:00AM GMT – Cricket: England v Australia Day 1 (4th Test)
With the series tied at 1-1, England and Australia begin the fourth Test of the Ashes at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Cricket fans have not had to wait long for the next instalment of Ashes action after Ben Stokes’ heroics in the third Test at Headingley. That historic performance means it’s honours even going into this match, with the outcome of the series now on a knife edge. After missing out in Leeds, Australia’s Steve Smith looks set to make his return to his side’s batting order which could prove crucial in the outcome of the Test match. With 90 overs set to be bowled on Wednesday, settle in for another epic day of action.
Thursday 5th September 00:20AM GMT (Friday 6th) – American Football: Chicago Bears v Green Bay Packers
It’s the start of the NFL season and the Chicago Bears go head-to-head with the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in Chicago.
With the start of the NFL season comes a rivalry match. The Chicago Bears play their home opener against their biggest rival - the Green Bay Packers. The Bears had a great season last year behind sophomore quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, going 12-4. Meanwhile, the Packers have a new head coach and will look to get back to their best form. For the twelfth season, the Packers will look to quarterback Aaron Rodgers to lead the way. It’s set to be a great game to start the 100th NFL season.
Friday 6th September 11:00AM GMT - Cricket: England v Australia Day 3 (4th Test)
England and Australia continue a crucial fourth Test in the Ashes at Old Trafford.
After the news broke at the weekend that Jimmy Anderson will miss the remainder of the series, England’s bowling brigade must now fill the void left by their all-time leading wicket taker. One such man who must shoulder the added responsibility is Jofra Archer who took 8 wickets in Australia’s two third Test innings and the 24-year-old will be asked to replicate that stunning performance this week as England look to get a foot-up in the series.
Saturday 7th September 5:00PM GMT – Tennis: 2019 US Open Day 13
The penultimate day of the US Open brings with it the women’s Final from Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.
The highlight of today’s tennis is the women’s final. Will Naomi Osaka defend her title? She’s played a strong tournament and could certainly go the distance. It’s been twenty years since Serena Williams won her first Grand Slam title. Can she win again at the place where her legendary career began? Or will the winner be a surprise challenger? Young stars like Bianca Andreescu, Taylor Townsend and Kristie Ahn have all played amazing tennis. Is someone going to defy the odds? Tune in to find out.
Sunday 8th September 5:00PM GMT – Tennis: 2019 US Open Day 14
The US Open concludes with the men’s Final at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
It all comes down to this. Can Novak Djokovic defend his title and claim his third Grand Slam title of the year? Or will Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer be the one lifting the trophy? With the rise of the ‘Big Three’ in men’s tennis, it can be a daunting challenge for other players to break into Grand Slam Finals. However, there is plenty of young talent that could challenge for the title. Could we see Alexander Zverev or Daniil Medvedev challenge the tennis status quo? Tune in and find out.
Other sports highlights from around the globe
Honourable mentions around the globe go to Euro 2020 qualifying. Qualifying returns after a summer break and continues throughout the week. Many of the groups are hotly contested, making these matches must-win. In American Football, the opening week of the season ends with defending champions New England Patriots hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, the AFL Finals begin, with matches on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. In cycling, the Vuelta a España continues throughout the week. Meanwhile, the Tour of Britain gets underway in Glasgow on Sunday. There is another round of Rugby World Cup warm-up matches. Tournament hosts Japan are set to warm-up against South Africa. On golf’s European Tour, the Porsche European Open begins on Thursday in Winsen, Germany. The highlight of the college football week is sure to be the showdown between Texas and LSU. As well as The Ashes, there is cricket action in the T20 Blast as the tournament’s playoffs begin. The F1 season continues in Italy on Sunday and the Diamond League comes to an end in Belgium on Friday.
A week of world class sport awaits. Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
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Photos by US Open, Vuelta a Espana, ICC Cricket, NFL
Written and information correct on 1st September at 10pm GMT