Novak Djokovic proved that his profitable behavior extends past the tennis courtroom after pulling off a powerful victory in an All-Star golf match forward of the Ryder Cup in Rome. The recently-crowned US Open champion and world No. 1 performed as a part of Colin Montgomerie's profitable workforce together with Welsh soccer hero Gareth Bale on the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club course that may stage the forty fourth Ryder Cup later this week.

After arriving on the first gap, Djokovic initially introduced out a tennis racket to tee off with, earlier than shortly switching to a extra standard membership. The Serb had by no means performed golf in entrance of such an enormous crowd earlier than however managed to calm his nerves with a par on the primary gap.

Speaking after his spherical with English enjoying companion Kipp Popert - the world's primary disabled golfer, Djokovic stated: “It was a singular expertise for me. The first time I've performed in entrance of so many individuals. I've by no means achieved something 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'm now going to look at the Ryder Cup. I've a relationship and a friendship with Rory McIlroy for greater than 10 years," said the Serb.

"He was going out with Caroline Wozniacki. I had the prospect to talk to him and to get to know him. He is a pal. I might be following and supporting him and Team Europe."

The prolific tennis champion has loved one other stellar 12 months, profitable the Australian Open and French Open earlier than shedding out to Carlos Alcaraz within 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 might be closest to golf in relation to evaluating to different sports activities as a result of it is particular person sport," he said. "Obviously workforce occasions like Ryder Cup and golf stand out as not solely in golf, however 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."

European captain Luke Donald has invited Djokovic to offer a call-to-arms speech to his 12 gamers in Rome earlier than the motion will get underway on Friday. And it's fairly clear that the seven-times Wimbledon winner cannot look ahead to it to all get began.

Djokovic stated: "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 really feel way more snug hitting a tennis ball with my racket however I do not suppose I've achieved too unhealthy right now. I've had some good photographs and good holes."