Best Sports on TV and Stream this Weekend (July 14 - July 17, 2023)
This week, there are huge matches wherever you look, with finals in tennis and soccer, and one of the most hotly-anticipated matchups in baseball to boot. The summer is proving to be a blockbuster in the world of sport, and as history is waiting to be written, you don’t want to be missing out on the action. Let’s go through the matchups to look out for this weekend.
Grand Slam: Wimbledon (June 28th - July 16th)
As Wimbledon 2023 races towards its finale, tennis fans around the globe are bracing for a spectacle of stunning performances and suspenseful matches. World number 2, the indomitable Novak Djokovic, will cross racquets with the promising Italian player, Jannik Sinner, in a highly-anticipated semifinal. Djokovic has not looked at his imperious best in recent matches, but he has found a way every time, dominating tight games and big points often in his run to the semis.
WIMBLEDON TV- & STREAMING SCHEDULE
Elsewhere, world number 1, Carlos Alcaraz, the prodigious talent from Spain, will face Danish player Holger Rune in the quarterfinals. Rune, seeking his first Grand Slam semifinal berth, will undoubtedly bring his A-game, promising a nail-biter of a match. How Alcaraz will manage the match will determine the outcome, but he is definitely a favorite to go through to the semis.
The third seed, Russia's Daniil Medvedev, finds himself up against unseeded American Christopher Eubanks in another quarter-final encounter. Eubanks, the tournament's dark horse, has already made a substantial impression and will certainly look to disrupt the established order. We shall see if Medvedev can go further than anticipated and set up a mouthwatering semifinal clash against Alcaraz or Rune.
UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Bueno Silva (July 15th)
This weekend’s UFC Fight Night sees Holly Holm, the Preacher's Daughter, returns to the Octagon after a long layoff to face the relentless Mayra Bueno Silva. Holm's striking finesse is well recognized, but Silva, with her well-rounded skill set and punishing grappling, promises an intense clash.
In the co-main event, we witness an explosive middleweight matchup between Albert Dureav and Jungyung Park. Dureav, known for his robust ground game and submission skills, faces Park, an underrated striker with knockout power. This clash of styles promises to be fun to watch, especially as these lesser-known fighters battle for the chance for big fights later on in the year.
Rounding out the top three, heavyweights Walt Harris and Josh Parisian collide. Harris's athleticism and powerful left hand are well documented. Parisian, on the other hand, with his aggressive style and diverse striking, will look to upset the odds. It should be a blockbuster of a fight, with two elite strikers going toe-to-toe in a clash that will definitely be a contender for Fight of the Night.
Gold Cup: Final (July 16th)
As we anticipate a thrilling conclusion to the soccer tournament of the summer, enthusiasts worldwide prepare for the impending Gold Cup Final. With the USA, Panama, Jamaica, and Mexico battling it out in the semifinals, an exciting showdown is guaranteed. USA, the tournament favorites, are chasing an eighth title to equal Mexico's record, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
CONCACAF GOLD CUP TV- & STREAMING SCHEDULE
If USA overcomes Panama in the semis, they'll carry a momentum which might prove decisive. Their versatile attacking prowess coupled with a robust defensive unit makes them a formidable adversary. However, Panama is no pushover, demonstrating considerable resolve throughout the tournament. Their 4-0 quarter final victory over Qatar was an impressive showing, with Ismael Diaz bagging a hattrick, and they will be a tough test for the USA.
On the other side, a potentially fantastic encounter awaits as Jamaica locks horns with Mexico. A rematch from 2017's semfinals, the game promises sparks. Mexico are yearning for revenge after their 1-0 loss then, while Jamaica aims to repeat their stunning success all those years ago.
Regardless of the finalists, the stage is set for an exhilarating clash. The stakes are high, the pressure is on, and a blend of tact, skill, and sheer will to win will ultimately decide who hoists the trophy.
MLB: White Sox @ Braves (July 14th - 16th)
This weekend, the high-flying Atlanta Braves, boasting a stellar record of 60-29, look to extend their dominance against the underperforming Chicago White Sox in an exciting interleague MLB series. The Braves, currently leading the MLB, have demonstrated exceptional form recently, and are favorites heading into this matchup.
However, the 38-54 White Sox, languishing fourth in the AL Central, should not be underestimated. Despite their disappointing season, they have a chance to disrupt the Braves' winning rhythm, a feat that could act as a turning point for their season.
The Braves' fearsome offense has been a significant factor in their success, while their pitching staff has also been on point. The White Sox, on the other hand, will need to find a way to contain the Braves' potent lineup and reignite their own offense if they hope to challenge the MLB leaders.
However, in baseball, where every pitch matters, an upset isn't off the table. This series offers the White Sox a chance to rally and the Braves an opportunity to consolidate their supremacy.
Author: Dan Anderson