Perhaps, the fascination about Caroline Wozniacki's response to her May breakup with fiancé Rory McIlroy has been the fascination over the lack of drama of the breakup of one professional sports' most recognized couples.
The New York Times reported that the harshest words the 24-year-old Wozniacki could muster about McIlroy, who broke up a three-year relationship with her during a brief phone conversation was that she did not want herself to be defined by their failed relationship.
Tweets indicated Caroline Wozniacki still struggling to cope with breakup with Rory McIlroy
"I don't want to have my name stuck with him forever," Wozniacki told the Times on the eve of the U.S. Open. "I'm my own person. I have my own career. The years we had together were great, and unfortunately, things had to end like they did."
Wozniacki advanced to the second round of the Open on Monday night when her opponent, Magdalena Rybarikova, retired in the third set.
The fascinating part about Wozniacki might actually have been how she has handled herself and the breakup with a grace and dignity that is uncommon in today's social media-frenzied world.
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"When it comes out of the blue," Ms. Wozniacki said in a recent interview, "that's like a shock. It's like someone dies right in front of you. ... I don't believe in holding onto someone who doesn't want to be with you. I definitely want someone who just wants you for who you are. I'm very upfront, I'm very honest and I'm very straightforward and I think some people get intimidated by that. I'm not saying Rory did. ...
"In general, a lot of people do, and if I'm in a relationship that's strong, I'm the person I am and that's exactly what you get."
Serena Williams, who was there to pick up the pieces when McIroy called off the engagement, said she was stunned at Wozniacki's maturity over the breakup.
"I was like: 'How can you be so nice?' " Ms. Williams said. "She said: 'I could never hate him. He's been a big part of my life and even if I wanted to, I couldn't hate him.' I was really influenced by that."
So while McIroy's career has shot up like a rocket since the breakup, ascending to No. 1 on the strength of wins at the British Open and the PGA Championship, Wozniacki has appropriately enjoyed a quieter success, winning the Istanbul Cup and training to run a marathon for charity.
Are you more or less of a fan of Caroline Wozniacki since her breakup with Rory McIlroy? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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