Novak Djokovic resurfaced at the Ryder Cup on Wednesday, and after showing off his golfing prowess in Rome declared that he will be supporting Europe, and Rory McIlroy in particular.
Tennis’s world No 1 appeared in the All Star match which forms part of the week’s curtain-raisers, and managed a win over seven holes for Colin Montgomerie’s team over an opposition that featured Ferrari’s Formula One driver Carlos Sainz.
Afterwards, the 36-year-old Serb declared he would now happily become a spectator and cheer on the home side.
‘I have had a relationship and a friendship with Rory McIlroy for more than 10 years,’ said Djokovic. ‘He was going out with Caroline Wozniacki. I had the chance to speak to him and get to know him. He is a friend and I will be following and supporting him and Team Europe.’
The tennis genius showed off a perfectly serviceable golf swing, albeit without the same efficiency as his metronomic backhand. He and Kipp Popert, the Englishman who heads the world rankings for golfers with a disability, defeated Sainz and his partner by three holes to one. It had involved hitting off in front of several thousand around the first tee, which Djokovic admitted had left him more nervous than playing in any Grand Slam.
Novak Djokovic has revealed that he will be supporting Team Europe at this weekend’s Ryder Cup in Rome
The tennis star said he has become with good friends with Rory McIlroy over the last few years
Djokovic played in an All Star match with Kipp Popert (left) prior to the tournament kicking off
‘It was a unique experience for me,’ said Djokovic, who is sitting out the current swing of ATP Tour events in China following his triumph at the US Open. ‘The first time I have played in front of so many people. I felt the pressure, especially on the first hole. But I made a par straight away and that was good. I was very nervous but I did pretty well in the end.
‘It’s not something I’m used to, especially with the level of golf I have, but it was something I will marvel at and cherish for a very long time.
‘I played much more golf before becoming a parent but the last seven or eight days, I have played five times. I have never had a week that intensive in golf. I had a couple of lessons at a local nine-hole course we have in Serbia.
‘Obviously I feel much more comfortable hitting a tennis ball with my racket but I don’t think I’ve done too bad today.
‘I’m staying for a few days and I have to experience this unique atmosphere at 7am on Friday. I hear it’s incredible, incredible noise and something that is quite unique to experience so I’m just honoured to be here.’
Djokovic’s team included retired footballer Gareth Bale and they lifted the trophy in Rome