Sharapova beats Wozniacki but McIlroy gives exhibition

August 17, 2013

Maria Sharapova defeated Caroline Wozniacki in the BNP Paribas Showdown, despite world number one golfer Rory McIlroy winning a point against the Russian.

The 22-year-old Northern Irishman, boyfriend of world number four Wozniacki, was temporarily invited on to court to play a point during the final game of the exhibition, which the Dane lost 3-6, 4-6.

Wearing jeans, he rallied with a one-handed backhand before Sharapova returned his lob wide.

Afterwards, when asked if he was surprised by winning the point against a former Wimbledon champion, McIlroy joked: “I’ve won a few off Caroline.”

McIlroy was a spectator at Madison Square Garden just 24 hours after he won the Honda Classic in Florida Gardens, the victory which promoted him to the title of best in the world.

Sharapova is currently ranked second in the WTA World Rankings, behind Victoria Azarenka.