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Despite Meeting Nelly Korda & Co’s Demands, LPGA Boss’s Job Still Under Heavy Scrutiny

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The LPGA Tour’s 75th anniversary year started with an unexpected twist. Instead of celebrating its rich history, the tour finds itself without a permanent leader at the helm. The situation became even more intriguing when LPGA insider Tom Abbott shared insights about the leadership situation during a recent Golf Channel interview.

“I think it’s still the beginning of the search process,” Abbott explained, hinting at a potentially lengthy wait for a permanent commissioner. He added that the tour “may not have a commissioner in place until May, perhaps even later, depending on that person’s circumstance in their current position.”

Yet, despite Moore’s proactive approach to addressing players’ concerns—particularly the implementation of stricter pace-of-play rules that top players like Nelly Korda demanded — Abbott dropped a bombshell about her future. “We don’t know whether she is a strong candidate to take the role full-time; we’ll have to see,” he revealed. “At the moment, it’s a case of looking at candidates all around the world,” Abbott explained.

The search committee, which includes player directors Ashleigh Buhai, Stephanie Meadow, and Stacy Lewis, alongside board members like Chairman John Veihmeyer, faces a complex task. They must find someone who can build on Marcoux Samaan’s achievements while addressing her tenure’s shortcomings. Despite overseeing a 90% increase in prize money to a record $131 million in 2025, Marcoux Samaan faced backlash over lost tournament sponsors, unclear gender policies, and communication issues. Her unexpected departure in January 2025, nearly two years before her contract’s end, has left the committee with big shoes to fill.

To understand Moore’s position’s complexity, one need look no further than her handling of the tour’s most criticized issue. While the search committee continues its worldwide hunt, Moore has taken bold steps to address one of the players’ biggest frustrations—the notorious slow play that has plagued the LPGA Tour for years.

Nelly Korda’s demands met as interim boss tackles slow play concerns

Interestingly, while the search continues, Moore hasn’t shied away from tackling major issues. The LPGA has introduced its strictest pace-of-play policy to date, implementing a tiered penalty system that hits slow players where it hurts—both in their wallets and on their scorecards. Starting March 27, 2025, at the Ford Championship, players face fines for delays of +1-5 seconds, a one-stroke penalty for +6-15 seconds over the limit, and a hefty two-stroke penalty for delays exceeding 16 seconds. Moreover, the policy removes the traditional 10-second allowance for first players hitting on par 4s and par 5s, now limiting this extra time to par 3s only.

Nelly Korda, vocal about her frustration with slow play, enthusiastically backed these changes. “Finally. I’m very excited about it… If we’re taking really long out there, that’s not entertaining,” she stated, emphasizing how the stricter rules could enhance fan engagement. LPGA Player President Vicki Goetze-Ackerman reinforced this sentiment, describing the initiative as “data-backed” and “player-led.” The goal is ambitious yet clear—to slash times from the current five-and-a-half hours to under five hours.

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Djokovic learns fate in new home as Sabalenka addresses behaviour

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Express Sport brings you the latest tennis news from the Paris Masters.

We’re reaching the business end of the Paris Masters, as eight players become four in the French capital. Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy after Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out by Cameron Norrie in the Spaniard’s opening match. Norrie was then beaten by Valentin Vacherot, whose amazing 10-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level came to an end when he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Canadian star Auger-Aliassime will face Alexander Bublik in the semis. Bublik defeated Alex de Minaur, who is among those to have already qualified for the year-end ATP Finals. Sinner is through to his first Paris Masters semi-final after beating Ben Shelton. He’ll face defending champion Alexander Zverev, who survived a tough match against Daniil Medvedev.

Novak Djokovic is not involved in the Paris Masters, having decided to skip the event for the second year in a row, but he has learned his fate in the draw of next week’s ATP 250 in Athens. And over in Riyadh, the WTA Finals are about to get underway.

 

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Strength in Style: Taylor Townsend’s Latest Photos Capture the Power of Confidence

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Tennis star Taylor Townsend is proving once again that strength and beauty are not opposites — they’re a perfect match. In her latest series of photos, the American powerhouse effortlessly blends athletic grace with unapologetic confidence, reminding the world that true power shines brightest when it comes from within.

The photos, which quickly captured fans’ attention online, showcase Taylor in a radiant light — bold, self-assured, and glowing with the poise of a woman who knows exactly who she is. Whether dressed in sleek athletic wear or elegant casual fits, her energy commands attention — not just because of her style, but because of her authenticity and self-belief.

Townsend, who has long been admired for her resilience on and off the court, has redefined what it means to be an athlete in today’s world. As a professional tennis player, mother, and advocate for self-acceptance, she continues to inspire millions who see themselves reflected in her journey — a story of perseverance, pride, and power.

In a recent interview, Taylor reflected on her evolution, saying:

“Confidence doesn’t come from fitting in. It comes from standing tall in your truth — from knowing your worth even when others don’t see it yet.”

That message resonates deeply with fans, who flooded social media with words of admiration. One comment summed it up perfectly: “Taylor Townsend is what strength looks like — beautiful, real, and unstoppable.”

Her latest photos aren’t just a showcase of style — they’re a celebration of self-love and strength, a reminder that confidence is the most powerful accessory anyone can wear. 🌟

Taylor Townsend isn’t just winning matches — she’s winning hearts, redefining what greatness looks like, one stunning moment at a time. 💖🎾

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Out But Not Down — Holger Rune’s Determined Message After Achilles Surgery Inspires Fans Worldwide

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Tennis fans across the globe are rallying behind Holger Rune, after the Danish star shared an emotional but determined message following his devastating Achilles injury that abruptly ended his 2025 season.

The 22-year-old, known for his fierce competitiveness and electric energy on court, was forced to retire during the Stockholm Open semifinals after collapsing in pain mid-match against Ugo Humbert. Moments later, Rune confirmed what fans feared — a torn Achilles tendon, one of the toughest injuries any athlete can face.

But instead of silence or despair, Rune chose to face the challenge head-on. In a heartfelt message posted to social media, he wrote:

“It’s gonna be a while before I can step on court again… It’s tough. I had so much joy out there, and it’s unbearable to think I won’t feel that energy for some time. But I’ll be back — stronger, wiser, and more grateful than ever.”

His words, filled with pain yet overflowing with resilience, immediately resonated with millions. Fellow players, coaches, and fans flooded his post with encouragement, calling him a “fighter”, a “true champion in spirit”, and the embodiment of perseverance.

Rune has already undergone successful surgery and, in a move that stunned many, shared photos of himself training from a seated position — refusing to let recovery stop his momentum. The images showed a young man focused not on what he’s lost, but on what he can rebuild.

Even as he faces months of rehabilitation, Rune’s story has become a symbol of mental toughness and grace under pressure. His family and team remain by his side, reminding the tennis world that this setback doesn’t define his career — it refines it.

As one fan beautifully wrote:

“He may be off the court, but his spirit is still winning matches.”

For Holger Rune, this isn’t the end of a season — it’s the start of a comeback story that could inspire a generation. 💥🔥

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