3 - Serena Williams falls in straight sets in the Wimbledon final to a 17-year-old Russian, Maria Sharapova, who immediately becomes tennis’ newest blonde sex symbol.

4 – American Andy Roddick goes up a set in the Wimbledon final against Australian Open champ and world No. 1 Roger Federer, but the Swiss star storms back after a rain delay to win the final three sets and his second grand slam title of the year and second consecutive Wimbledon crown.

4 – Meg Mallon outduels Annika Sorenstam by two strokes at Orchards Golf Club in Massachusetts to win the U.S. Women’s Open.

11 – The Lakers replace Phil Jackson with the more Kobe-friendly Rudy Tomjanovich.

Tony Gutierrez / AP Roger Clemens watches Alfonso Soriano round the bases after hitting a 3-run home run in the All-Star Game.

13 - Roger Clemens, pitching in front of his hometown fans in Houston, is lit up as the National League's starter in the All-Star Game. Clemens gives up five hits and six runs in one inning of work, and the American League goes on to win 9-4.

14 – With the season rapidly disintegrating, the Astros fire manager Jimy Williams and replace him with Phil Garner.

14 - The Lakers officially hand the team to Kobe Bryant when they trade Shaquille O’Neal to the Miami Heat. In return, the Lakers get Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant and a first-round draft pick.

18 – Ernie Els bogeys the third hole of a four-hole playoff at Royal Troon and loses the British Open to an unheralded and largely unknown American, Todd Hamilton.

Laurent Rebours / AP Lance Armstrong holds up six fingers to indicate his streak of Tour de France victories.

25 – Lance Armstrong wins his record sixth consecutive Tour de France in convincing fashion, finishing more than six minutes ahead of his nearest rival. Afterward, he says he does not know if he will return in 2005 to try for seven.

31 – Shortly before the trade deadline, the Red Sox trade oft-injured star shortstop Nomar Garciaparra to the Cubs. The four-team deal brings shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the Sox from Montreal and first-baseman Doug Mientkiewicz from Minnesota. Despite giving up a five-time all star, the Red Sox improve their defense and ultimately see both athletes play vital roles in Boston’s storybook season.

31 – Unheralded British heavyweight Danny Williams separates Mike Tyson from his senses in the fourth round of what was supposed to be an easy win for Tyson, who desperately needs money to pay enormous debts.

Month-by-month look at 2004 January February March April May June July August September October November December

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