Graeme McDowell opens up on why he's so eager to reach The Open at Portrush as final chance looms

Graeme McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion, hasn't played in The Open Championship since it visited his home of Royal Portrush in 2019.
The former Ryder Cup star understandably very much desires to make it back to his hometown next month for what figures to be a thrilling Open Championship week for the country, with Shane Lowry keen to repeat his feat of clinching the Claret Jug six years ago.

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Wales Online

27 minutes ago

• Wales Online

Carlos Alcaraz's massive net worth and true feelings on Emma Raducanu as she makes visit

Carlos Alcaraz's massive net worth and true feelings on Emma Raducanu as she makes visit Carlos Alcaraz is in the final at Queen's on Sunday and faces off against Czech opponent Jiri Lehecka Carlos Alcaraz (Image: 2025 CameraSport ) Carlos Alcaraz is in the final at Queen's on Sunday with the Spaniard aiming to head into Wimbledon with some more silverware in his trophy cabinet. The tennis ace faces Czech opponent Jiri Lehecka in West Kensington today with a prize pot of £350,773 up for grabs for the winner. ‌ Alcaraz is fresh from beating Jannik Sinner in a thrilling French Open final at Roland Garros where he fought back from an almost impossible position to beat the Italian in the latest instalment of their rivalry. ‌ Novak Djokovic views both players as beneficial to the sport, saying: "They're definitely great for tennis, both of them. I think their rivalry is something that our sport needs, no doubt. "The way they are playing and approaching tennis life, I think they are going to have very successful careers in the next years." Alcaraz, with his status as a two-time Wimbledon champion and a reported net worth of £35.6million, had high praise for his opponent Sinner, saying: "He's the best tennis player right now. I mean, he's destroying every opponent." Article continues below Emma Raducanu is seen in attendance during the Men's Singles semi-final match between Carlos Alcaraz and Roberto Bautista Agut (Image: Luke Walker, Getty Images for LTA ) Apart from his achievements on the court, Alcaraz's private life has garnered public interest, especially after securing his second Wimbledon title last year. His relationships have notably come into focus amid his rising profile in the world of tennis. After clinching his latest Wimbledon title, the tennis world buzzed with curiosity about Alcaraz's rapport with British tennis star Emma Raducanu, who was seen supporting him from Centre Court. ‌ She also came to see him play in the last four at Queen's on Saturday, being pictured on the Queen's balcony. After securing his 17th win in succession, Alcaraz beamed: "I saw on social media she came up to watch my match. I'm just glad. "I mean, I was focused on the match. I didn't see her afterwards. I am just glad that she came to support me, to watch my match. Yeah, I think it was great having her in the stands." ‌ Alcaraz expressed his enthusiasm to support her at a match before the US Open, saying: "It depends on the schedule, obviously. I have practices. I have matches. "Yeah, I would love to, yeah, if I have time, if I'm at the club or I don't have anything else to do, yeah, I would love to come and watch her. I'm watching her matches from the TV every time that I can. So watching her for real could be fun." Alcaraz and Raducanu will be paired with each other at the US Open later this year. ‌ Alcaraz said of their partnership: "I'm super excited about it. I think it's going to be great. It was an amazing idea for the tournament. I was thinking that I couldn't play better if it wasn't with Emma. "I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. Yeah, I made that special request. She took a while to respond. Not that much, not that much! But obviously she had to ask, and she had to think a little bit. But it wasn't a minute! "I have known Emma for a really long time. I have a really good relationship with her. We are gonna enjoy it for sure. We will try to win. But obviously it's going to be really, really fun." ‌ Alcaraz previously dated within the tennis circle, and was linked with fellow Spanish player Maria Gonzalez Gimenez of Murcia Tennis Club, known for participating in Spanish Masters and ATP Challenger tournaments. The details of their time together are somewhat unclear, but Maria, who juggles a law degree at the University of Murcia with her tennis, is thought to have been in a long-term relationship with Alcaraz before their split. A picture capturing an intimate moment between them was even shared on his Instagram story, as highlighted by Tennis Tonic. However, the Spanish prodigy has confirmed he is currently single. ‌ Addressing questions about his personal life, he affirmed: "No, I am single. I am looking for someone." In discussing the end of their relationship, he mentioned: "It can be difficult as a tennis player to meet the right person because you are travelling all the time." Alcaraz boasts a portfolio of impressive endorsements, including a decade-long deal with Nike purportedly valued at £12million to £15.8million annually. Article continues below His partnerships extend to Babolat, BMW Group, LVMH and Rolex, and he also represents Saudi Arabia's tennis federation as an ambassador.

Daily Record

4 hours ago

• Daily Record

Bob MacIntyre handed huge Open billing by seven-time Tour winner and Ryder Cup hero

Scottish star ranked amongst the favourites for Portrush as he hunts first Major win Major hunter Bob MacIntyre has been billed as one of the biggest favourites for Open glory by Ryder Cup hero David Howell. The Scottish star will head for Royal Portrush next month for the 153rd Championship full of belief after his outstanding run at the US Open. ‌ MacIntyre secured a best-ever finish at Major when coming up just short behind winner JJ Spaun on a thriller final day at Oakmont. ‌ That dynamic display has merely fuelled the 28-year-old's drive and determination to go one better at one of the big-four events with the upcoming spectacular Northern Ireland his next opportunity. MacIntyre has already shown his outstanding ability on Open terrain with a tied-eighth finish behind Collin Morikawa at Royal St George's four years ago. Prior to that, he crucially performed expertly at Portrush in 2019 when charging into a tied-sixth position on his Claret Jug debut as Shane Lowry won on home soil. Howell, who played and won in both of his Ryder Cup appearances in 2004 at Oakland Hills and 2006 at the K Club, has no doubts that, although World No.1 has to be considered the favourite for the title, MacIntyre is bang up there amongst the leading contenders. The Englishman is a popular figure to viewers on the commentary team of Sky's golf coverage and, when colleague Nick Dougherty suggested during the third-round coverage of the Travelers Championship that the Scot would be 'licking his chops' for the assault on Portrush, he had no hesitation in nominating him as a big threat. Howell said: 'He will and he will have to handle being one of the favourites. Yes [Scottie] Scheffler is going to be the favourite for that Championship, of course. ‌ "But he is made for links golf, Bob MacIntyre. And he has proved to himself last week that he can win a Major because, when he had the chance, he did everything right. So he'll have his own expectations to deal with, but surely we'll have a good performance from him.' MacIntyre made it clear in the immediate aftermath of Oakmont that he isn't shying away from the Major challenge and admitted it has handed additional belief as he said: 'Aye, it does. That's the toughest test I've ever encountered on a golf course. That's as hard as it gets. ‌ 'Obviously finishing sixth in The Open at Royal Portrush was my best finish but it was a back-door effort, so to speak, due to the weather and stuff. 'But this was different. There's no reason why I can't win a major championship in my career and that's my goal now. I said I wanted to win the Scottish Open and I got that. I thought I had this one, to be honest with you, but, yeah, I just want to win Majors now.' Before Portrush, MacIntyre will return from a seven-week run in the United States ater his final round at the Travelers to have a short and well-earned break before he returns to action at the Genesis Scottish Open. The Tartan hero will be defending his crown at The Renaissance Club having produced a magnificent win in East Lothian almost 12 months ago. MacIntyre will the go straight from the showpiece Scottish event to Portrush and the bid for Open success with the FedEx Cup play-offs and an appearance for Europe at The Ryder Cup at Bethpage in September also now firmly on his immediate hitlist.

Scottish Sun

4 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

Emma Raducanu sets fans' tongues wagging as she turns up to see Carlos Alcaraz who after makes flattering admission

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CARLOS ALCARAZ hailed the support of Emma Raducanu in the Queen's stands as he booked a spot in the final. British No1 Raducanu had tennis fans' tongues wagging as she watched her US Open doubles partner cruise to a straight sets 6-4 6-4 win over Roberto Bautista Agut. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Emma Raducanu was in attendance as Carlos Alcaraz beat Roberto Bautista Agut Credit: Getty 7 Raducanu, 22, chatted to a pal as she took in the action Credit: Getty 7 Alcaraz was in fine form at the Queen's Club with Raducanu watching on Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Alcaraz was cool as a cucumber throughout and hit an audacious volley to win the first set over the Spanish 37-year-old to set up today's final clash with Jiri Lehecka. The 22-year-old has not lost since April 20 in Barcelona and is enjoying the longest winning streak of his career with 17 successive victories. When asked about Raducanu, who he has previously been romantically linked with online, Alcaraz said: 'I saw on social media she came up to watch my match. 'Just glad that she came to support, to watch my match. It was great having her in the stands." READ MORE IN SPORT SMACK DRAPER Furious Jack Draper breaks advertising board in shocking Queen's meltdown Further quizzed if he could return the favour by attending some of Raducanu's matches prior to their US Open date, Alcaraz added: "Well, it depends on the schedule, obviously. "I have practices. I have matches. Yeah, I would love to, yeah, if I have time, if, you know, if everything -- if I'm at the club or I don't have anything else to do, yeah, I would love to come and watch her. "I'm watching her matches from the TV every time that I can. So watching her in real could be fun." Raducanu and Alcaraz have announced they will play together in a new-look mixed doubles tournament at the US Open later this year. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 7 Raducanu appeared to be enjoying her day out Credit: Getty 7 Alcaraz celebrates his straight sets semi-final win Credit: Getty 7 The Spaniard was asked about Raducanu during his post-match press conference Credit: Getty Raducanu and Alcaraz, both 22, were the subject of wild dating rumours in 2024. They heated up last July when Raducanu watched the Spaniard dominate Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. 'She was not OK' - Axed coach claims Emma Raducanu's mental state played major role in his swift exit Alcaraz is in red hot form with four titles to his name already this year and hunting down a third successive Wimbledon title later this month. First, he will attempt to beat Lehecka to lift his second title in three years at the Queen's Club. Raducanu, meanwhile, will be in Eastbourne action tomorrow as she prepares for Wimbledon. The 22-year-old lost to Zheng Qinwen in the quarter-finals at Queen's last week. Having received treatment on court, Raducanu subsequently pulled out of this week's WTA 500 event in Berlin. The former US Open champion is fit again and will take on America's Ann Li at Devonshire Park on Monday. Should Raducanu triumph, she could face two-time former Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur in round two.