Rory McIlroy credits Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for helping him improve his golf career by setting an exemplary standard of behavior on the court.
The world number two golfer discussed his admiration for tennis in a recent interview, 20Minutos reported.
“I’m a huge fan of the tennis world in general,” McIlroy told the DP World Tour microphones.
“Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal behaved in an exemplary way on a court throughout their careers,” the Northern Irishman said.
McIlroy pointed to specific traits in both players that shaped his own approach to competition.
“Rafa has never broken a racket in his life, and Roger, even though he was a bit temperamental at the beginning of his career, learned to channel that energy and turn it into positive things for himself on the court,” McIlroy said.
He added that watching both athletes as a fan had a direct impact on his own game and attitude.
The four-time major golf champion said that observing the two tennis icons changed how he handles himself during tournaments.
“I think these two tennis players in particular, just watching them as fans or followers, have had a big impact on me in how I’ve tried to approach my sport and my game… and also in my attitude,” McIlroy said.
“I’m playing better and better,” he concluded.
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