Rory McIlroy Calls Off Wedding To Caroline Wozniacki

Just days after sending out wedding invitations, golfer Rory McIlroy broke off the engagement to tennis player Caroline Wozniaki, ESPN reported Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference before the start of the BMW PGA championship in England, McIlroy was subdued and emotional talking about the split just a few hours after he released a written statement:

“It is quite a difficult time for Caroline and myself, and the statement really said it all this morning,” McIlroy said. “It was mutual and amicable, and we both thought it was for the best of us, the best for both of us. Time to move on, and I’ve said all that I need to say.”

In the statement, McIlroy said, “The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realize that I wasn’t ready for all that marriage entails.” The wedding was scheduled to be in New York in November.

The 25-year old from Northern Ireland took the blame for the breakup.

“The problem is mine. I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we’ve had. I will not be saying anything more about our relationship in any setting.”

McIlory met the 23-year Danish tennis star at a boxing match in 2011, according to The New York Times.

When asked if he was tempted to withdraw from the tournament to escape the public eye, he said, “No, I didn’t think there was any reason to do that. There’s no good time to sort of end a relationship, I guess.”

Asked how tough it was to break off the engagement, McIlroy appeared to fight back tears. “Look, I’m no different than anyone else. Everyone has been through breakups and it’s obviously very, very difficult.”

McIlroy and Wozniacki have both been the top-ranked players in their sport. McIlroy is currently ranked 10th while Wozniacki is ranked 14th.

Sunday McIlroy tweeted a picture of the couple having dinner in Monte Carlo. His decision to play in the BMW was linked to Wozniacki’s tennis schedule that brought her to Europe. They were seen shopping in London last week after she withdrew from the Rome Masters.

In February, she responded to rumors that the couple had split up. “I can only think that it’s maybe the people that don’t want us together,” Wozniacki said. “It’s sad that some people write stories based on nothing, because obviously we were always strong and we are going strong.”

Wozniacki has not yet commented on the split.

[Image via abcnews.com]