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Thirteen major finals to watch in June, July, and August 2024
With EURO 2024, Copa América and Olympic Games looming, this will be a sizzling hot summer for sports fans. Here's my short guide to the finals you just cannot miss.
1 June – UEFA Champions League final
The biggest match in European (or global, shall we say?) club football is the perfect kick-off to a vivid summer full of big sports events. Real Madrid are heavy favourites but if Dortmund get on a roll, they can beat anyone as their play-off ties against Atlético and PSG prove.
June 7-21 – NBA finals
Boston is already through to the finals, and Dallas should follow suit as they lead 3-0 against Minnesota in the conference finals. As for the Mavericks vs the Celtics, this will be a treat for any basketball fan. Dončić against Tatum, and Kyrie and Porzingis against their former clubs will be exciting to watch.
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June 8-24 – Stanley Cup finals*
Unlike in the NBA, the NHL conference finals series are close, and it is too early to predict the finalists. But so far Stanley Cup has not disappointed and I see no reason why it should get any less spectacular.
*The dates are subject to change depending on when the conference finals conclude.
9 June – Roland-Garros men's final
There is no clear favourite in the men's draw this year which makes the competition unpredictable, as opposed to the women's bracket where Iga Swiatek is expected to dominate on clay. Djokovic is out of form, Alcaraz and Sinner have injury troubles, so the likes of Zverev, Medvedev and Tsitsipas will be waiting for their chance too.
13 July – Wimbledon women's final
With Wimbledon being played on grass, the women's tournament should be more competitive here as Gauff and Sabalenka will do their best to rival Swiatek.
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July 14 – UEFA EURO 2024 final
EURO is just several days away, and England are favourites at 3/1 (or 4.00) but do they have it in them? Italy are the reigning champions, France are consistent and have Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo is still eager for new records and trophies at 39 years of age, Germany are the hosts, and Spain have enough talent even without the injured Gavi.
July 15 – 2024 Copa América final
This year's competition is co-hosted by CONCACAF which means the likes of USA and Canada will be in contention too. You know the rest. The reigning champions Argentina with Leo Messi, Brazil with no Neymar but a handful of other stars, Uruguay with Luis Suárez, and a lot of other exciting players that are always abundant in South America.
July 21 – The Open Championship
The final day of the oldest golf tournament in the world will decide who will take the main prize of at least $3 million which means fierce rivalry is guaranteed. If you have never watched golf, this can be a perfect time to start as the competition will take place on the picturesque Royal Troon course in Ayrshire, Scotland.
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July 29 – Olympics, men's team final in artistic gymnastics
Olympics pick up where football stops. I will never cease to marvel at what the gymnasts can do with their bodies. I get dizzy by simply looking at all those spins and rotations. If following individual competitions is too much trouble for you, watch the team all-around final where Japan and China will most probably tussle for gold.
August 4 – Olympics, men's 100m sprint final
If athletics is the Queen of Sports then the 100-meter dash is her beloved royal child. While there is hardly anyone who can challenge Usain Bolt's world record of 9.58 seconds set in 2009, the competition between Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman will be exciting to watch.
August 6 – Olympics, women's park skateboard final
Skateboard returns to the Olympics after its Tokyo debut. A lot of exciting athletes in this spectacular event, including Japanese Olympic medalists Kokona Hiraki and Sakura Yosozumi, and the 15-year-old prodigy Sky Brown who had to come over a horrific fall in 2020.
August 9 – Olympics, men's football final
Although Olympic football tournaments are played in the U23 category and do not have the same stature as FIFA World Cups, there will be plenty to watch. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé might well answer the call and come to the aid, and I'd love to see them clash in the final.
August 10 – Olympics, men's basketball final
Unlike in football, the Olympic title is the biggest thing there is in international basketball. As if a chance to see Wembanyama, Jokić, Dončić, Porzingis and Gilgeous-Alexander was not enough of a reason to watch this, team USA is bringing a squad full of superstars including LeBron, Tatum, Steph Curry and Anthony Edwards.
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