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Rory McIlroy has made position very clear as PGA Tour star takes aim at Jordan Spieth

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The PGA Tour and Jordan Spieth have been criticised following the announcement of a ninth Signature Event in 2026, with Rory McIlroy defending the Tour’s position

Jordan Spieth has come under fire for being handed sponsorship exemptions to PGA Tour Signature Events following the Miami Championship’s addition to the calendar. But Rory McIlroy has backed keeping tournament sponsors happy by featuring big-name stars.

The Tour launched Signature Events in 2024 as it battled to boost the circuit’s popularity amid competition from LIV Golf. Starting with eight events, there will be nine of these money-spinning tournaments by 2026, some without cuts that let sponsors hand-pick certain players.

The currently unsponsored Miami Championship will slot in between the Masters and the US PGA Championship at Trump National Doral next year. The announcement has triggered a furious response, with Tour stalwarts Robert Garrigus and James Hahn slamming the decision and targeting Spieth over his exemptions, which he secured at both the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Genesis Invitational last year.

However, McIlroy has previously made his position crystal clear on these £ 15million prize tournaments. He fully supports keeping sponsors sweet by having superstars grace the greens, having been among the professionals who helped create them.

Reacting to the schedule change, Hahn told Golfweek: “An extra signature event without a title sponsor at a course owned by the president. This is a joke, right?”

The outburst challenged the PGA Tour’s sponsorship choices and the Doral venue’s connections to Donald Trump. Garrigus added: “What is happening to our Tour? So, does that mean one more sponsor invite for Jordan Spieth? Tell Spieth I’ll play him for any amount he wants. I win, I get his five invites to the signature events.”

Spieth found himself in the firing line because he ended up outside the FedEx Cup top 50. As a result, he wouldn’t typically qualify to compete in Signature Events. However, he’s anticipated to receive sponsor exemptions, which McIlroy fully supports.

In 2024, McIlroy featured on the Stick to Football podcast and was questioned about the sponsorships surrounding both the PGA Tour and competing LIV circuit. He acknowledged that sponsors deserve recognition for their financial backing.

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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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