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The Open: Rory McIlroy ready to embrace new major mountain after Grand Slam glory and chase home victory at Royal Portrush

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Rory McIlroy missed the cut when The Open was last played at Royal Portrush in 2019; McIlroy plays in Northern Ireland for the first time since completing the career Grand Slam at The Masters; Can McIlroy enjoy more major success? Watch The Open live on Sky Sports Golf

Rory McIlroy conquered his golfing Everest by securing Grand Slam glory in April, but The Open provides an opportunity to climb another mountain and deliver more major redemption.

It is just over three months since McIlroy fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming the sixth player in history to complete the Grand Slam, ending an 11-year wait for an elusive fifth major title with a dramatic play-off victory at The Masters.

An emotional McIlroy sunk to his knees in tears after finally winning at Augusta National, securing the Green Jacket – in his 17th appearance – at an event where the annual narrative was previously dominated by his own past disappointments.

“What are we all going to talk about next year?” was how McIlroy opened his victory press conference on that dramatic Sunday, with attention since turning to how the world No 2 will move forward from a career-changing success.

McIlroy admitted to struggling for motivation in the events immediately after that win, failing to contend in the next two majors, but has since reset his focus towards this week’s opportunity to lift the Claret Jug on home soil.

“This was the tournament that was circled, even more so than The Masters,” McIlroy revealed in his pre-tournament press conference at Royal Portrush, where he added that it “means a lot” to be teeing it up again in Northern Ireland.

McIlroy has previously discussed the need for another mountain to climb after the win at Augusta National, with a homecoming – in front of record-breaking crowds – and the chance to bookend his major campaign with victories his next challenge.

The fairy-tale win – which would be his first as a professional in Northern Ireland – was initially predicted when this course last hosted The Open in 2019, where McIlroy failed to live up to his billing as pre-tournament favourite after a nightmare start.

McIlroy quadruple-bogeyed the par-four first hole and triple-bogeyed the last on his way to an opening-round 79, a staggering 18 shots worse than he managed when breaking the course record as a 16-year-old in 2005.

“I remember the ovation I got on the first tee on Thursday and not being prepared for it, not being ready for how I was going to feel or what I was going to feel,” McIlroy admitted ahead of this year’s event. “Then the golf on Thursday feels like a bit of a blur. I try to forget that part of it.”

McIlroy responded by firing a second-round 65 but still missed the cut, just the second time he had ever failed to reach the weekend of The Open, although feels better prepared to deal with expectation and pressure this time around.

“I want to do my best this week to enjoy everything that comes my way, enjoy the reaction of the fans and enjoy being in front of them and playing in front of them,” McIlroy explained. “But at the same time, I want to win this golf tournament, and I feel like I’m very capable of doing that.”

He has already enjoyed a hero’s welcome this week, seeing big crowds quickly gathering for his early-morning practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, with McIlroy immersed in the added support heading his way.

“I think in 2019 I probably tried to isolate and I think it’s better for everyone if I embrace it,” McIlroy said. “It’s nice to be able to accept adulation, even though I struggle with it at times.

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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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