This Week in Sport: 8th – 14th July 2019
Another superb week of sport lies ahead as we reach the business end of the Cricket World Cup and Wimbledon, with the two tournaments culminating with their much anticipated finals over the weekend. Elsewhere in the UK, nations begin their campaign for the greatest prize in netball, as the netball World Cup starts in Liverpool. The crucial decider in the State of Origin series takes place on Wednesday between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons. And a brutal week of cycling is guaranteed, as the Tour de France hots up.
Monday 8th July 10:00AM GMT – Tennis: Wimbledon
The pressure rises at tennis’s most prestigious tournament as Wimbledon enters its second week.
Wimbledon certainly served up an opening week to remember. Teenage superstar Cori Guaff toppled the mighty Venus Williams, the heated rivalry between Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal reached boiling point, and home favourite Andy Murray made his eagerly anticipated return to the All England Club in the doubles. Monday is the men’s and women’s last 16, and is the only day across Wimbledon fortnight where all the remaining men’s and women’s players in the draw will play. With a place in the quarterfinals up for grabs, expect an exquisite day of tennis.
Tuesday 9th July 9:30AM GMT – Cricket: India v New Zealand, World Cup Semi-Final
The Cricket World Cup final is within touching distance for two of the game’s top sides.
India finished top of the standings with a near perfect record, losing just once in the group stages. With Virat Kohli, one of the world’s finest batsmen, in their ranks, India will be confident of putting in a great performance. New Zealand go into the game off the back of three consecutive defeats. This is New Zealand’s fourth appearance in the semifinals in as many tournaments, so they have tournament know-how on their side. With a place in the World Cup Final up for grabs, expect an epic contest.
Wednesday 10th July 10:00AM GMT – Rugby League: New South Wales v Queensland Maroons, State of Origins Series
Bragging rights in Australian sport’s greatest rivalry will be determined over 80 hotly contested minutes in the decider of the State of Origin Series.
The New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons do battle in the third and final game in the annual State of Origin Series in Sydney. Queensland had led the series 1-0 after in a tightly fought 18-14 opening game win in Brisbane. However, the momentum is firmly in New South Wales’s court after game 2. NSW recorded a comprehensive 38-6 win in Perth to level the series. Regarded as one of the best Rugby League events of the year, Wednesday’s decider is due to be a thrilling spectacle.
Thursday 11th July 9:30AM GMT – Cricket: Australia v England, World Cup Semi-Final
Two great cricketing rivals do battle at Edgbaston for a place in the Cricket World Cup final.
After a stuttering start to the tournament, hosts England rose to the occasion in huge games against New Zealand and India to progress into the semifinals. The form of Jonny Bairstow and captain Eoin Morgan will be key to whether England can book their place in the final. Australia flew through the group stages, but suffered a surprise defeat to South Africa in their final game. The fantastic David Warner has already registered three hundreds at this tournament. With everything to play for, a compelling match is anticipated.
Friday 12th July 8:00AM GMT – Netball: World Cup
Netball’s flagship tournament begins with a jam packed opening day of Netball World Cup fixtures.
England made the nation fall in love with netball with their dramatic win in the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal match, and bumper crowds are expected to turn out in Liverpool for the coming nine days of action. The Red Roses play Uganda in their opening game. Australia are much fancied to go deep into the tournament; the current holders begin their quest for their 12th title against Northern Ireland. Commonwealth bronze medallists Jamaica take on Fiji, and four time champions New Zealand play dark horses Malawi. With every nation in action on Friday, an exciting day of netball is guaranteed.
Saturday 13th July 11:00AM GMT – Tennis: Wimbledon Finals
After a fortnight of tennis of the highest order, seven finals take place today on the immaculate grass courts of Wimbledon.
The women’s final will take centre stage on Saturday. After an unpredictable women’s draw, the final should be similarly thrilling. Centre Court has been the home of many a famous Serena Williams victory; will she make it eight singles titles at the All England Club? Can Petra Kvitová complete a third Wimbledon triumph? Or will there be a new name on the trophy? Could Ashleigh Barty repeat her French Open victory? A bumper day of finals also includes the men’s and women’s doubles and the women’s wheelchair singles. Expect a superb day at tennis’s marquee event.
Sunday 14th July 9:30AM GMT – Cricket: World Cup Final
After a scintillating six weeks of ODI action, the winner of the Cricket World Cup will be crowned on Sunday.
Sunday’s game is the pinnacle of international cricket. Will reigning champions Australia win a record sixth ICC World Cup title? Can India win their first title in eight years? Or will a new winner be crowned? It is fitting that this year’s thrilling tournament will conclude at Lord’s; the home of cricket. A phenomenal game is expected in front of a sell-out crowd.
Other sporting highlights from around the globe
Road cycling’s flagship race continues over the next seven days, as the Tour de France journeys through Belgium and into France over hills, mountains and many hundreds of punishing kilometres. In Monaco, Diamond League Athletics is on display on Friday. Wimbledon action can be found at the All England Club throughout the week, with Sunday’s men’s final rounding off an epic fortnight of tennis. Elsewhere in the UK, there’s no let-up at the Netball World Cup, which continues over the weekend. The British Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place at the famous Silverstone circuit on Sunday. The latter stages of the African Cup of Nations are played out throughout the week, with the semi-finals on Sunday. And in MLB, the annual Home Run Derby takes place on Monday in the traditional build up to the All Star Game on Tuesday.
A world class week of sport awaits. Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Find daily updates on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
Photos by Wimbledon; Cricket World Cup; New South Wales Blues; England Netball; Lord’s Cricket Ground
Written and information accurate on 7th July at 10pm GMT