Entertainment
Nelly Korda remains repulsed by slow play. And has advice to manage it
Nelly Korda says slow play is just, well, slow. It makes golf longer.
And she says you never get into a flow because of it.
And that your body gets stiff because of it.
Then there are those outside of the ropes who watch slow play unfolding.
“For spectators,” Korda said Wednesday, “it’s no fun to stand around and watch us and see us sit near our tee box or golf ball and not do anything and baking in the sun or whatever weather we are playing in.”
So yes, the world’s top-ranked player remains repulsed by slow play, as evidenced by her answers to questions on the subject ahead of this week’s Amundi Evian Championship. Over the past few years, Korda’s been one of the more vocal critics of the act, and she plays as she preaches too, working as one of the game’s more rapid pros — but she’s also not naive.
Players will seemingly continue to take their time over shots. Maybe a penalty situation will pop up. Whatever the case may be, slow play will live on, and Korda was asked how she keeps her focus, considering tilting could be an understandable option.
Her answer was blunt.
“At the end of the day,” Korda said, “you know you’re playing a round and you’re playing for — no matter what day it is, you’re playing for a championship, so you have to stay focused.
“I think the longer the rounds are, the more mentally draining sometimes they get. At the end of the day, I mean, you just have to kind of suck it up, build a bridge to get over it, and adjust to the circumstances at hand.”
Her solution to curb it, though, is penalty strokes, and this year, the LPGA has seemingly listened. In February, the tour announced that players exceeding 40 seconds to hit would be disciplined — under the new guidelines, if a player exceeds the time by 1-5 seconds, she will receive a fine; should a player take 6-15 seconds over the time to play a shot, she will be hit with a one-stroke penalty; and if a player takes 16 or more seconds than they are allowed, a two-stroke penalty will be charged.
“I think that’s improved on our tour a tremendous amount,” Korda said at the Evian, the year’s fourth of five women’s majors. “At the end of the day, I think that if you start giving penalties to girls taking too long, then they’re not going to want to get penalised a shot or two. That can make a really big difference in whatever they want, prize money, cut, whatever.
“So they’re going to speed up at the end of the day. So the harsher the circumstances, the more they’re going to change.”
Faster play would benefit families, too, she said.
“It’s not fun for the little kids,” Korda said. “Their patience isn’t as good as an adult’s.
“I feel like the more flow and action, the better it is for the crowd. When there is so much stalling and no movement in what we’re doing, that’s kind of no fun, right?”
Notably, the subject of slow play has cropped up at the Evian previously, after Carlota Ciganda appealed a two-stroke penalty for exceeding an allotted time, then, after her appeal was denied, she refused to take the strokes, leading to her disqualification. How this week’s Evian plays out under the new rules, then, promises to be monitored.
Still, Korda is sympathetic to one group that’s known to slow play.
Amateurs.
She said she doesn’t mind lengthy pro-ams.
“My first ever sponsor that I ever got as professional was through a pro-am,” Korda said, “and I met so many incredible people through pro-ams.
“Getting in contact and getting to know these amazing individuals that at the end of the day are coming out and supporting us is a lot of fun for me.”
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.
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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