Rory McIlroy Urges Ryder Cup Team to Adopt Novak Djokovic’s Mindset Ahead of New York Battle
Rory McIlroy is calling on his European Ryder Cup teammates to take a splint out of Novak Djokovic’s book when it comes to handling hostile crowds.
The Northern Irish golfer, preparing for the Ryder Cup in New York later this month, stressed how Djokovic’s internal durability could serve as a design for navigating the American atmosphere at Bethpage Black.
McIlroy recalled how the tennis star motivated the European team before their emphatic triumph over the USA in Rome two years ago. He praised Djokovic’s mindset as “the best”.
On Tuesday evening, McIlroy watched Djokovic’s US Open quarter-final clash with American Taylor Fritz and was struck by the Serb’s composure under pressure.
“It was a very pro-American crowd. He’s been the best at handling that,” McIlroy said. “He’s had to deal with it his whole life, whether it’s playing against an American in New York or playing against Roger [Federer] or Rafa [Nadal].”
McIlroy is presently at the K Club in Ireland, the venue where he secured his only Irish Open title nine times agone. He aims to maintain his strong season form ahead of the Ryder Cup, listed from 26 – 28 September.
Rory McIlroy is locked in for the Ryder Cup!
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Team Europe is chasing a down win for the first time since the fabulous “ phenomenon at Medinah ” in 2012. McIlroy is well apprehensive that controlling feelings in front of an enthusiastic crowd will be crucial.
Djokovic’s approach serves as an alleviation. “He came and spoke to us a little bit about that stuff last time in Rome, so maybe [it’s about] taking a leaf out of his book and channelling that energy the right way.
All we can do is control our reaction and our emotions to it. I think the less we play into it, the better it is for us,” McIlroy added.
European captain Luke Donald recently confirmed his six captain’s picks, meaning 11 of the 12 players who triumphed in Rome will compete in the United States.
Despite his eyes on a historic Ryder Cup victory, McIlroy is also focused on his individual form.
“Obviously I’d love to win this week, I’d love to win next week at Wentworth [the BMW Championship],” he said. “But if we were to win an away Ryder Cup with everything else that I’ve been through this year, 2025 would be the best year of my career.”
Rory McIlroy’s blend of calm, strategic focus, and leadership sets him apart as Europe gears up for one of golf’s most intense contests.
