Rory McIlroy on Wednesday announced he had broken off his engagement to Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki only days after sending out the wedding invitations.
The 25-year-old Northern Irishman and two-time major champion said the issuing of the invitations had made him aware that he was not ready for marriage. “There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people,” he explained through a statement issued by his Dublin-based communications consultants.
“The problem is mine,” McIlroy said. “The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realise that I wasn’t ready for all that marriage entails.“I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we’ve had. I will not be saying anything more about our relationship in any setting.”The golden sporting couple announced their short-lived engagement on last New Year’s Eve.
The former world number ones in their chosen sports posted pictures of themselves on Twitter with a diamond ring. “Happy New Year everyone! I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year!! My first victory of 2014 #shesaidyes!!” McIlroy wrote.Wozniacki posted: “Happy New Year everyone! Rory and I started 2014 with a bang! ... I said YES!!!!”
The engagement came after rumours of a split in 2013.Uncomfortable and subdued, the two-time major winner spoke about the decision ahead of the BMW PGA Championship.
“It is quite a difficult time for Caroline and myself, and the statement really said it all this morning,” McIlroy said at Wentworth. “It was mutual and we both thought it was the best for us, the best for both of us. Time to move on, and I’ve said all that I need to say.”
The decision to call off the wedding came as surprise to many, especially since McIlroy had only recently spoke of his delight in meeting up with Wozniacki in london after competing in the Players Championship a couple of weeks ago. Wozniacki had been due to compete in an event in Rome but withdrew to meet up with him.
“look, I’m no different than anyone else,” the Northern Irishman said. “Everyone has been through breakups, and it’s obviously very, very difficult. But look, I’m here to try and concentrate on this week and answer questions about golf, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Both McIlroy and Wozniacki have been the top-ranked player in their respective sports, but Wozniacki has not won a major title. McIlroy won his first major at the 2011 U.S. Open, and then added another a year later at the U.S. PGA Championship.