Caroline Wozniacki says she 'grew up so much' after Rory breakup

Caroline Wozniacki said that she "grew up" after golf star Rory McIlroy ended their relationship last year.

Caroline Wozniacki said that she "grew up" after golf star Rory McIlroy ended their relationship last year, according to an interview she gave The Independent. 

Just days after the couple had sent out invitations to their wedding, McIlroy phoned Wozniacki and ended the relationship. Since the couple split, both players have been dogged by questions and occasional jeers related to the breakup. 

The 24-year-old Dane told The Independent that she felt she had everything she wanted prior to the breakup. “I had a great career, I was  getting married, I have a perfect family. Everything was great," Wozniacki recalled. 

Everything changed after McIlroy's phone call.

Then all of a sudden something happens that you don’t expect. You just see your world turned around, literally from one second to the next. I think I didn’t know how strong I was until that happened. And I didn’t know how much you can actually take. It really feels like someone close to you has died. You have to go through all of that. I think that taught me so much. I think I grew up so much in that short amount of time. I also realized who is always there for me and who is just there when things are good.

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Wozniacki said the breakup changed her outlook on life and ultimately helped her better succeed on the court, despite some struggles early on after the split. She also said it brought her closer to Serena Williams, who vacationed with Wozniacki in Miami following early 2014 French Open exits for both players. 

“I grew so close to Serena,” Wozniacki told The Independent. “My family were there for me too, which was amazing. They gave the best support ever.”​

Wozniacki also reflected on her choice to appear in Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue, admitting she was nervous at first but saying it was something she always wanted to do.

Last week, Wozniacki fell 6-4, 6-4 to Belinda Bencic in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open. 

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- Stanley Kay