Novak Djokovic was ‘very nervous’ in Ryder Cup match as icon details Rome plans

Ryder Cup diary: Neil McLeman reports from Rome with three days to go

Novak Djokovic proved that his winning habit extends beyond the tennis court after pulling off an impressive victory in an All-Star golf match ahead of the Ryder Cup in Rome. The recently-crowned US Open champion and world No. 1 played as part of Colin Montgomerie’s winning team along with Welsh football hero Gareth Bale at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club course that will stage the 44th Ryder Cup later this week.

After arriving at the first hole, Djokovic initially brought out a tennis racket to tee off with, before quickly switching to a more conventional club. The Serb had never played golf in front of such a big crowd before but managed to calm his nerves with a par on the first hole.

Speaking after his round with English playing partner Kipp Popert – the world’s number one disabled golfer, Djokovic said: “It was a unique experience for me. The first time I have played in front of so many people. I have never done anything like this.

“I felt the pressure, especially on the first hole. But I made a par straightaway and that was good. I was very nervous but I did pretty well in the end. I had a tremendous partner. He really helped me. It was a marvellous experience.”

Djokovic was clearly thrilled to have had the chance to play on the Ryder Cup course but he will be sticking around to support the European team and his friend Rory McIlroy.

“I am now going to watch the Ryder Cup. I have a relationship and a friendship with Rory McIlroy for more than 10 years,” said the Serb.

“He was going out with Caroline Wozniacki. I had the chance to speak to him and to get to know him. He is a friend. I will be following and supporting him and Team Europe.”

The prolific tennis champion has enjoyed another stellar year, winning the Australian Open and French Open before losing out to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final only to bounce back in style at Flushing Meadows earlier this month.

The triple Grand Slam triumph has taken him back to the summit of tennis’ world rankings, but it is clear that he has just as much appreciation for elite golf as he does for his own trade.

“Tennis is probably closest to golf when it comes to comparing to other sports because it’s individual sport,” he said. “Obviously team events like Ryder Cup and golf stand out as not only in golf, but they transcend golf.

“It’s one of the most famous, most watched team competitions in all sports in history of sports. We have something similar with Davis Cup and Laver a couple of years here and the competition is quite similar format to to Ryder Cup. So it’s a great honour to be here.”

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European captain Luke Donald has invited Djokovic to give a call-to-arms speech to his 12 players in Rome before the action gets underway on Friday. And it is quite clear that the seven-times Wimbledon winner can’t wait for it to all get started.

Djokovic said: “Hopefully I get another invite to be a part of it, but 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.

“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’ve had some good shots and good holes.”

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