However, afterward, McIlroy’s girlfriend is actually tennis star Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, friend of Russian star Maria Sharapova, and even the request came throughout an exhibition match at Fresh York’s famed Madison Square Garden.
On Tuesday, McIlroy appeared at Doral for his very first tournament as the Globe Not an. 1, a World Golf Championships event that starts about Thursday, and in addition admitted he was actually gobsmacked by his brief tennis foray the actual day before.
“I’ve never been so nervous with regard to my existence,” McIlroy said. “I can hit a golf shot with regard to front of the million adults yet acquiring up generally there, I desired to be able to hit a serve however I was actually thinking, ‘In case I frame this into the particular crowd it’s going that would feel and so negative.’
“Now just a little bit under-arm over the entire web. Maria was good. She hit it in return that would me personally at quite a gentle pace.”
Sharapova hit a McIlroy backhand spacious in order to win the particular point, delighting the entire crowd.
“Never thought I’d play tennis at Madison square garden!! Had a smart time,” McIlroy tweeted. “I even obtained a point!”
McIlroy explained which he felt obligated to join Wozniacki about the court ahead of her match, which went to be able to Sharapova 6-3, 6-4.
“Maria had got someone from the crowd that would dance alongside plus then Caroline turned that would the actual crowd as well as said, ‘Any hot men that like to dance alongside me?’ And even I am such as, ‘Well, I don’t want everybody else dancing to you,’ so I put my hand up.
“Thank God she didn’t ask me personally to dance. I had been a great deal happier hitting a tennis shot.”
McIlroy, who took the actual top ranking with a victory previous Sunday at the entire Honda Classic, had been glad to be able to escape golf. The entire 22-year-old Northern Irishman plans to be able to take off 3 weeks shortly after this specific before playing with regard to the Masters.
“It has been good in order to sort of escape from golf a little bit plus reflect and sort of let it sink with regard to, however I am searching ahead that would getting in return at it this particular week,” McIlroy mentioned.
“Persons from every walks of lifetime plus different sports currently have reached out that would me personally that would say, ‘Perfectly performed.’ So it’s terribly nice to be able to include a lot of adults viewing your needs then encouraging you and also supporting us.”
Among all those whom transferred communications of help happened to be entertainers, golf rivals and additionally football stars, notably from Manchester United.
“Got you from Fergie. Got specific from Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, a very few associated with the United boys,” McIlroy said. “In order to come with their help as well as for them that would extend to out that would anyone and even say congratulations, it is very pretty surreal viewing Man United for a lot of years right after which having Alex Ferguson send we a text message and / or Wayne Rooney and / or whatever. It’s a good position in order to be in.”
McIlroy will certainly tee off as the actual World Not an. 1 in a tournament for the particular at first time on Thursday morning at Doral’s 10th hole alongside English pals Luke Donald plus Lee Westwood, the couple past golfers to be able to hold the actual Globe No. 1 ranking.
“It doesn’t feel much different,” McIlroy mentioned. “It was actually a terrific feeling about Sunday just to win the particular tournament then alongside a few of guys creating a charge, it ended up being good to be able to play very solid coming down the stretch as well as do the trick.
“It’s brilliant that would attain to this particular position plus clearly I’d like to stay at this site for because long because possible. I really have to focus about playing suitable golf, struggling to win tournaments. In case I could certainly do which, then your position I am at will hopefully consume care of itself.”
The reigning You Open champion has handled success at a young age but yet takes it within stride.
“My father constantly mentioned to be able to me, ‘When you’re informative enough, you’re old enough.’”