Caroline Wozniacki, once a dominant force in women's tennis ranked No. 1, has slipped to No. 9 since entering into a relationship with top golfer Rory McIlroy, but insists that he dalliance off the court isn't affecting her performance on it.
"I just really like having Rory around and it is great that he comes to support me like at Eastbourne," said Wozniacki, 22. "He has the Irish Open the first week of Wimbledon so hopefully he will be able to follow me the second week."
Before her opener at Wimbledon today, Wozniacki said she liked her chances this year. "I love the grass. I feel like I've had my chances. I just haven't grabbed them," Wozniacki said. "I feel like grass is a surface that suits me. I return well, I can serve well, I can place the ball, I feel like I can move well on the grass, so I don't see why I shouldn't be able to do well there."
Her words proved prophetic as she dominated Estrella Cabeza Candela, the World Tennis Association's No. 96 in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2.
While some have claimed their relationship has damaged Wozniacki's young career, McIlroy has not seemed to sink down with her. He has had some disappointing outings at times, but he's mixed in two major championships to go with them, the U.S. Open in 2011 and the PGA Championship in 2012.
The bad side of McIlroy showed up at the most recent U.S. Open, however, when he closed out a rough tournament with a final round 6-over par that infuriated him to the point that he chucked one of his clubs. He finished the event tied for 41st overall at 14-over par.
I think that's what this tournament does to you. At one point or another it's got the better of you, and it definitely did this weekend," McIlroy said.
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