Week Ahead: Wimbledon, World Cup, Knights, racing, running, fireworks

Monday

Wimbledon’s fortnight begins with Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams as the top seeds. Remember, there is no play during the “middle Sunday,” July 5. ESPN’s daily coverage begins at 7 a.m. during the first week.

Tuesday

Want some early July 4 fireworks? Head to Charlotte Motor Speedway for its weekly Summer Shootout, with racing beginning at 5:10 p.m. Legend cars and Bandoleros will race on the track’s front stretch quarter-mile. There will be a Champ truck display with the evening ending with those fireworks. Tickets: http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com; 704-455-3267.

Tuesday

The second-ranked United States, fresh off a 1-0 quarterfinals victory against China, plays No. 1 Germany in a Women’s World Cup semifinals game in Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. The U.S. is the only country to advance to at least the semifinals in all seven World Cups, but hasn’t won the title since 1999. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. on Fox (WJZY, ch. 46).

Thursday-Friday

The Charlotte Knights return home – but only briefly – against the Gwinnett Braves in a single game Thursday (7:05 p.m., Thirsty Thursday) and a doubleheader Friday (12:05 p.m., Military Appreciation; 7:05 p.m., fireworks). They’re the only games at BB&T BallPark during a 12-game stretch from June 25-July 6. Tickets: www.charlotteknights.com/tickets; 704-274-8300.

Saturday

Celebrate the Fourth of July by running in the American 4 Miler road race through Dilworth. Concord’s Chris Marks Band will provide postrace entertainment at the start/finish line: Toast, 2400 Park Road. Registration endsThursday: http://runforyourlife.com/american4miler/

This story was originally published June 27, 2015 at 5:54 PM with the headline "Week Ahead: Wimbledon, World Cup, Knights, racing, running, fireworks."