Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland leaves the stadium match on Day 5 of the Miami Open -Credit:NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images
(NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy not only overcame his own mental demons to win the Masters last year but also the presence – and a thinly veiled dig – from his ex-girlfriend.
Golf enthusiasts were quick to notice when Caroline Wozniacki seemed to take a subtle jab at former flame McIlroy during what began as a challenging start at the Masters.
McIlroy experienced a turbulent week at Augusta. With wife Erica Stoll by his side, the couple shared a meaningful exchange, while daughter Poppy captured hearts at the Par 3 contest. Once competitive play began, he suffered a late stumble on Day 1 following an “inexcusable” error before bouncing back impressively on Friday.
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Among those watching on the second day was tennis champion Wozniacki, who shares history with McIlroy after a three-year romance that began in 2011. The golfer proposed to the former World No. 1 tennis player in December 2013, but ended their engagement via phone call just days after wedding invitations had been mailed.
Eleven years since her relationship with McIlroy ended suddenly, Wozniacki spoke with ESPN at Augusta National about her Masters experience after McIlroy struggled on Day 1.
“As an athlete, I think there’s some places that are so iconic that are on the bucket list, and this and Wimbledon are so special,” she commented on Friday.
Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki were engaged before they broke up -Credit:Gustavo Caballero, Getty Images
“There’s so much tradition here. When you arrive at the premises, there’s just something about not having your phone, really being in the moment. You see everything. It’s just so beautiful, and to be able to be here with my husband and enjoying it, just the two of us, no kids, no distractions, it’s really, really nice.”
While reflecting on the pressures athletes endure at one of golf’s most elite competitions, Wozniacki admitted she finds it fascinating to watch top-tier golfers face adversity – a description that certainly fitted McIlroy at that moment in time.
“There’s so much pressure here, it’s the small margins. These greens are so difficult, so if you don’t hit it at the perfect spot, you go from being in a position for maybe going for a birdie to being lucky getting a bogey,” she added.
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“Watching someone who is so good at their craft I think has always been very inspiring, whether it’s tennis, golf, at work, whatever it is. As a spectator, it’s always fun to see when the best in the world are struggling, and that’s what you get here.”
On social media, fans speculated that Wozniacki might have been referring to McIlroy, who completed Thursday with an even par 72 and declined to meet with the press after his first-round setback.
“Caroline Wozniacki broke Rory,” one X user wrote, with another adding: “@espn y’all are messy for interviewing Caroline Wozniacki while Rory is struggling.”
Rory McIlroy had his wife Erica and daughter Poppy by his side when he won the 2025 Masters -Credit:Getty Images
A third chimed in, “Rory birdies his last two holes at the same time ESPN is doing him dirty.”
Thankfully for McIlroy, he surged up the standings with an impressive second round where he carded a flawless 66. The 35-year-old nailed consecutive birdies on the 10th and 11th holes before notching an eagle and birdie on Nos. 13 and 15, respectively.
Regarding Wozniacki, the 34-year-old revealed that McIlroy isn’t among the golfers she’s supporting at this year’s Masters. “David and I, my husband, we always pick a winner before the tournament starts,” she said. “We pick one that we think has a big chance of winning, and that was [Ludvig] Aberg.”