This Week in Sports Talk (TWIST) is our weekly report on the big sports news headlines and major events, plus a preview of what’s up next. For July 16, 2023, here are the weekly top 10 sports news headlines to know – the big stories and major events this week in MLB, tennis and more.
weekly top 10 big sports news headlines and major events: July 16, 2023
Here are the headlines you need to know heading into a new week:
1. Alcaraz beats Djokovic in men’s finals at Wimbledon
All eyes were on London’s All England Club this weekend as the Wimbledon finals were played. The men’s final earlier today was a must-see, as defending champion and 7-time Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic faced off against young Spanish phenom Carlos Alcaraz. It was the world No. 1 against the world No. 2. And it did not disappoint.
Djokovic was hoping to tie Roger Federer for 8 Wimbledon titles. And to set himself up for a possible “Golden Slam,” winning all four major titles in one year. But Alcaraz, 20, denied him, winning his second major (he also won the U.S. Open in 2022).
This match was billed as “the icon versus the future” of men’s tennis, and if that’s true, the future looks pretty bright.
2. Unseeded Vondroušová wins Wimbledon women’s title
In a Cinderella story for the ages, in Saturday’s women’s final at Wimbledon, unseeded Czech player Markéta Vondroušová, 24, defeated Tunisia’s No. 6 Ons Jabeur. She becomes the first unseeded woman to win Wimbledon in the Open era (that would be since at least 1963).
A win from either player would have been one for the record books, as many were rooting for the 28-year old Jabeur to be the first Muslim and first player from the continent of Africa or the Middle East to win the title.
The women’s field in tennis is wide open right now. The Wall Street Journal notes that in the 24 tournaments since Serena Williams won the Australian Open in 2017, 15 different women have won Grand Slams. And of those, 13 were first-time winners. On the U.S. Open! Can’t wait to see what happens next.
3. NL wins the MLB All-Star Game
For the first time since 2012, the National league beat the American League in an MLB All-Star Game, with a 3-2 win. Rockies catcher Elias Díaz, a first-time All-Star at age 32, was named MVP after he hit a 2-run homer and ended the American League’s 9-year winning streak.
4. record-setting Home Run Derby
The 2023 Home Run Derby featured the highest total number of home runs in the history of the competition, at 341.
This year’s contest featured eight batters, including former 2-time champion Pete Alonso. The winner was Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who joined his father Vladimir Guerrero as the first father-son duo ever to win the Derby. Guerrero Jr. won the final round 25-23 against Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena.
5. MLB trade deadline is two weeks away
The 2023 MLB trade deadline is August 1. That’s the point after which no players can be traded from one club to another for the rest of the season. Meaning that it’s usually eventful, as team’s go all out to position themselves well for the postseason.
Rumors are running high that the LA Angels may be considering trading their superstar pitcher-slugger Shohei Ohtani before his free agency begins next year. The Yankees and Padres are said to be the two teams most likely as potential landing spots.
6. MLB NL Standings: Atlanta on top
The New York Mets remain mired in fourth place in the NL East, 19.5 games back of the Atlanta Braves. We have Mets tickets for a home game in a couple of weeks and we’re really looking forward to . . . the fantastic food and drink at Citi Field.
Meanwhile, the Braves have maintained their commanding lead in the NL East. The number 2 Marlins are 9.5 games back.
In the NL Central, the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers remain locked in a tight race. As of this posting, the Reds are just 1 game back.
In the NL West the Diamondbacks, Dodgers and Giants are in a pretty close battle, with the Diamondbacks and Giants currently tied for second, and only 2 games back.
7. MLB AL Standings: Rays maintain their lead
Our Sports Desk notes that the AL East has actually gotten kind of interesting. The Tampa Bay Rays still hold the best record, but only by 2 games. The Baltimore Orioles are coming for them, and it’ll be interesting to see how this one plays out. Meanwhile, New York, Toronto and Boston are all struggling mightily just to stay relevant. And to keep their heads above the .500 mark.
The Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians are in a close race in the AL Central, and this week they swapped spots. Minnesota is currently 1.5 ahead of Cleveland.
In the AL West, the Texas v Texas battle rages on, with the Texas Rangers 3 games up against the Houston Astros.
8. Lillard trade still under negotiation . . .
The Portland Trail Blazers’ star Damian Lillard shocked the league by asking for a trade last month. And he’s made it clear that he will only work with one team: the Miami Heat. While the Trail Blazers are technically in control of the situation, and can trade him to a different team, it’s highly unlikely that will happen.
Which means that Portland and Miami have to come to terms. And of course, the Blazers want to get the most from whichever team he joins. This week, CBS Sports reports that the Blazers “are willing to wait months” for the right deal. The experts say the Heat are currently in position to trade two first-round picks and three first-round swaps – if they want.
But will they put that on the table? And will it be enough? Watch this space for further updates.
9. Scottie Scheffler is the $1 million (per tournament) man
Whatever you may think of the ongoing drama around the PGA, LIV Golf and their planned merger, there’s one indisputable fact. The beneficiaries of the fierce competition were the players who managed to cash in on it. And no one did that in a more expert and elegant way than Scottie Scheffler.
The Wall Street Journal reports that in the 18 events this season – before the start of the Scottish Open – Scheffler has made $18.5 million. Making him the Tour’s first golfer to win $1 million per tournament. It’s a single-season earnings record, and there are still 2 months left to play.
In another fun fact, Jon Rahm has made $15.2 million so far this season – and he won the first $7 million without winning a single tournament (Rahm went on to win the Masters this year).
Talent counts, without a doubt – but when it comes to making real money, timing is everything.
10. FIFA Women’s World Cup starts this week
The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off this Thursday, and Team USA is favored to win again for 3rd straight time.
Weekly Top sports news headlines and major events to know: July 16, 2023
That’s our take on the big sports news headlines and major events, and a preview of the week ahead, including what to know about tennis, baseball and more to join the talk with the avid fans in your life this week. Have a great week, dear reader. See you next Sunday.
