Weekend Review: Spain rule the world as Djokovic avenges Wimbledon loss

La Roja etched their name into the book of greatness while Djokovic showed once again he is still the best. 

Last weekend will go down as one of the most iconic in sports history. History was made last weekend in faraway Australia while Novak Djokovic made a winning return to the tennis circuit. 

Meanwhile, action continued in the Premier League, LaLiga and Ligue 1. The new Serie A and Bundesliga season also kicked off last weekend. 

We take a look at some of the biggest stories from last weekend’s sporting action. 

Spain beat England to claim World Cup trophy 

Coming into the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Spain had only played in two previous editions and never made it past the first knockout round. 

Their preparation was also not the best, with about 15 regular players not called up due to a row with the Spanish FA and coach Jorge Vilda. 

However, despite their inexperience and troubles, Spain triumphed, defeating England in the final. La Roja reached the final after beating Sweden in the semi-final, while England knocked out Australia at the same stage. 

England had the best of early chances, but there was no denying that Spain were clearly the better team and deserved winners. 

Olga Carmona was Spain’s hero once again. Her brilliant strike in the 29th minute ensured La Roja returned to Madrid as world champions. 

Carmona had also scored the winning goal in the semi-final clash against Sweden, but nothing is greater than scoring the winning goal in a World Cup final. 

The moment even felt bigger for Carmona after it was announced following the game that she had lost her father. 

Djokovic reigns in Cincinnati 

Away from the FIFA Women’s World Cup, world No 2, Novak Djokovic is back with a title after beating Carlos Alcaraz 5-7 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (7-4) to win the Western and Southern Open. 

Before last week’s tournament, Djokovic's last game was the Wimbledon final, which he lost in an epic five-setter to Carlos Alcaraz. 

The two met again in Cincinnati, with Djokovic looking to avenge his defeat at the All England Club. 

The Serb defeated Alexander Zevrev in the semi-final to set up a showdown with Alcaraz, who beat Hubert Hurkacz. 

It was a battle of World No.1 vs World No.2, and it didn’t disappoint. Alcaraz picked up the first set, coming from a break down to win 7-5. 

The match was on Alcaraz’s racket, with the Spaniard breaking to take a 4-2 lead in the second let. 

It looked over for Djokovic, but with the Serbian, it is not over until it is over. That proved to be the case as he stormed back to win the set in a thrilling tie-break. 

The third set went down till the end, with Alcaraz coming from a break down and saving a championship point to force a tie-break. 

However, in the end, it was Djokovic who prevailed in another thrilling tie-break, picking up his third title at the event and avenging his loss at Wimbledon.