France Defeats New Zealand in 2023 Rugby World Cup

At the Stade de France, the host team won the opening game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup 27–13 against three-time champion New Zealand. Though France started off down 5–0 against the All Blacks, Les Bleus’ defense kicked in toward the end of the first half, with fullback Thomas Ramos aiding in the 9–8 home advantage going into the break. The game was no longer in doubt when Melvyn Jaminet scored France’s final try. 

Gauff and Djokovic Win Big at 2023 U.S. Open

Last Saturday, Coco Gauff won her first Grand Slam title after an intense start to her match against new world No. 1 singles player Aryna Sabalenka, winning a rocky 3-set battle 2–6, 6–3, 6–2. Gauff took the tennis world by storm after entering Wimbledon in 2019 as a wild card at 15 years old and defeating four-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams, a childhood idol. 19-year-old Gauff entered the U.S. Open at world No. 6 and exited at a career-best No. 3.

On Sunday, Novak Djokovic’s return to the U.S. Open resulted in his 24th Grand Slam title, making him the oldest man to ever win the U.S. Open at 36 years old. The Serb cemented his status as one of the greatest players of all time with his straight sets win against Daniil Medvedev, 6–3, 7–6, 6–3. Djokovic had missed out on the 2022 U.S. Open due to his refusal to get the COVID vaccine. In a recent interview with former professional tennis player John McEnroe, Djokovic clarified his stance on vaccination.

“I was never anti-vax,”he said. “I was always pro-freedom to choose.”

Neymar Passes Pele’s Goal Count 

Brazil’s 5–1 victory over Bolivia last Friday was not just a victory for the country, but also for new all-time top goal scorer Neymar Jr., who surpassed the great Pelé. In the 61st minute of the World Cup-qualifying match, Neymar  achieved his 78th goal in his international career. His second goal of the game, which came about 30 minutes later, earned him his 79th international goal. 

“I want to say that I am not a better player than Pelé,” Neymar  said after the match. “I always wanted to make my own story, write my name in the history of Brazilian football and the national team. And today, I did that.”

Germany Wins 2023 FIBA World Cup

Germany was named the 2023 FIBA World Cup champion after defeating Serbia 83–77 and snagging the gold medal for the first time ever. The victory last Sunday capped off an unexpected run for the country through the World Cup — Germany won their last basketball-related tournament at EuroBasket in 1993. Serbia entered the tournament without talented players like reigning NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokić, who could have potentially made a difference in the closely contested final. 

Aaron Rodgers’ Inaugural 2023 Season With Jets Last 75 Seconds

Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers made his highly anticipated debut with the New York Jets last Monday. The hype fizzled out immediately when Rodgers was carted off due to an injury just four plays into the game. An update posted to the Jets’ website clarified that Rodgers had torn his Achilles tendon, cutting his 2023 season short. At 39 years old, Rodgers is the second-oldest player in the league, but experts are not ruling out the possibility that with aggressive rehabilitation and surgery, Rodgers could return next season for his 20th year in the NFL. Rodgers ended his Instagram post on Wednesday with a few words of hope for his fans: “The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again.”