2023 was one of the most exciting years for sports in recent memory. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest headlines from the year.
Djokovic Wins Record 24th Grand Slam Title
Novak Djokovic has yet another stellar year in 2023, winning three grand slam championships: the Australian Open, French Open and US Open. First he won the Australian Open defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6–3, 7–6(4), 7–6(5) to match Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 grand slams. He then went on to break the record with a 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-5 victory over Casper Ruud at the French Open. Finally, he won the US Open 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 over Daniil Medvedev at Flushing Meadows to claim a historic 24th Grand Slam title.
With no signs of slowing down, 2024 could result in Djokovic adding even more trophies to his already massive collection
Australia Beats India in ICC Cricket World Cup Finals
After losing their first two matches, Australia were able to comeback and win their 6th ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup this year. They met an undefeated Indian team in the Finals but were able to win rather easily by 6 wickets in the end. Travis Head won the Man of the Match award for his 137 off just 120 to lead his team to victory.
Indian Batsman Virat Kohli broke the record for the most one-day international centuries by a player during the tournament with his 49th hundred.
Saudi Football Club Al-Hilal Offers $1.1 Billion Contract
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal reportedly planned a $1.1 billion contract to sign French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappé. This included $332 million to his club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and $775 million in salary.
The Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs spent close to $1 billion, signing 94 overseas players from Europe’s major leagues such as: Ligue 1, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and the English Premier League.
South Africa Win Rugby World Cup Finals Over New Zealand
South Africa just edged out New Zealand to win the Rugby World Cup by the score of 12-11 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France. South Africa became the first team to ever win back to back Rugby World Cup tournaments away from home.
New Zealand and South Africa previously played in a Rugby World Cup final in 1995, which South Africa won 15–12. For New Zealand this was a record fifth appearance in a final. South Africa made their fourth appearance and are yet to lose in a World Cup Finals. Pieter-Steph du Toit won Player of the Match.
Patrick Mahomes Wins Second Super Bowl
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The chiefs won by a score of 38-35, led by Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes who won his second ring. The Eagles led the game 24–14 at halftime but the Chiefs were able to comeback and win with a game-winning field goal kicked by Harrison Butker.
Fox’s broadcast of the game became the most-watched program in American television history, with an average of 115.1 million viewers. The halftime show headlined by Rihanna was the most watched part of the event.
Lionel Messi Joins MLS & Wins 8th Ballon d’Or
Fresh off a World Cup win, Lionel Messi departed from European football after signing with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami. Messi left Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer and has signed a contract through the end of the 2025 with Miami.
Messi ended up scoring nine goals in his first six games for Miami. He was also able to help the team win their first ever trophy with a Leagues Cup win in August of this year.
Messi was awarded a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or and finished his first season for Inter Miami with 11 goals in 14 matches For his achievements in 2023, he was named Time Athlete of the Year, the first footballer to ever win the award.
