ATP world number one Novak Djokovic has won the Rome Masters 1000 six times, but on Wednesday he swapped his racket for a set of golf clubs to play the All-Star Match ahead of the 44th Ryder Cup with Marco Simone of Rome.
The Serbian, who claimed his 24th Grand Slam title by winning the US Open this month, played alongside world number one handicap player Kipp Poper in Colin Montgomerie’s team, which also includes former Real Madrid footballer Gareth Bale.
“It’s a great honor, a golden opportunity to live a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” declared a nervous-looking 36-year-old Balkan on the first tee, surrounded by a large stand.
“Thanks to all the fans for coming and putting a little more pressure on us on the first tee. It was a unique experience,” said ‘Nole’.
With hundreds of fans in the stands and many more lining the street, Djokovic first hit his ball with a tennis racket, before switching to a driver.
After a few practice swings, greeted by shouts of ‘oles’, he sent the ball down the fairway, his cheeks flushed with relief and his heart racing.
Djokovic and Englishman Poper face Spanish F1 driver Carlos Sainz, who recently won the Singapore Grand Prix, and Italian G4D golfer Tommaso Perrino.
Source: La Verdad
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