As we head towards one of the most exciting times for sports fans, this summer brings some of the most intense rivalries we’ve seen in recent years. From tennis to the NBA to horse racing world, these are some of the direct matchups that simmer in the strength of deep fried eggs on the sidewalks of Miami.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Giannik Sinner
What more can you say about Carlos Alcaraz? Down two sets and facing three championship points, he gathered against the world’s number one player, pulling one of the most miraculous victories in Roland Garros’ history. The victory also gave Alkaraz an 8-4 edge in a head-to-head match of the sinner. For those who maintain their score at home, Alcaraz leads the sinner 5-3 in the Grand Slam title. If these two keep playing at this level, the next few years will be insane.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Coco Gauff
This rivalry put another twist at the French open, with Gouf fighting losing his tough first set to beat top-ranked Sabalenka in three sets. In addition to the drama, comments made by Sabalenka after the match show that it was not Goff’s advantage, but her own poor play, which led to her loss. Anyway, Coco defeated the arena twice in the Grand Slam Finals. Sabalenka keeps his career straight from the head against Gauff with a 3-2 margin. Women, like Alkaraz and the Sinners, ranked in the top two in the world, are sure to advance in more battles.
sovereignty vs. Journalism
Journalism, which entered the Race Triple Crown this year, was considered a clear standout in the 3-year-old category. But after five weeks and three races, it was sovereignty that has the best rule of the sport, defeating journalism last weekend in the Kentucky Derby announced by Woodford Reserve and Belmont stakes. Journalism won the Preakness Stakes, a middle jewel in the Triple Crown, but sovereignty was not in the race. These two great powers could meet several more times this summer and fall. This could be betting in the stakes again at the Draft King Stravers Stakes at the Longin Breeders Cup Classic World Championships at Del Mar in November.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Tyrese Haliburton
In the NBA Finals featuring two small market teams, the best players from both teams have the skills and personality that made the series a must-see. Recently crowned MVP SGA scored 34 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 8, even making the series in one game. Streamkier, often hot and chilled, Halliburton, has kept himself up to this series so far, delivering a shot of winning in another iconic game to bring the Indiana Pacers back from death in the series’ opener. As a New York Knicks fan heading into the Eastern Conference Finals in Indiana and Halliburton, my gut tells me that the Pacers won’t come down without a fight in these finals. Ultimately, of the two superstars, they could do more to carry the team and solidify their superstars over the course of next week.
Rory McIlroy vs. Bryson Dechambeau
On the eve of the 2025 US Open, all eyes will appear in Rory and Bryson to see what unfolds following last year’s epic showdown at Pinehurst. While DeChambeau kicked out McIlroy at the 2024 US Open, Rory got revenge at Augusta just two months ago, claiming his first green jacket at the Masters. Bryson is about to add his third major championship to his resume, and his first major championship since last year’s US Open. Rory has five majors. As expected, both Rory and Bryson will be two of the top four betting options at this year’s US Open, which will be tee-off Thursday at the Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania.
