Rory McIlroy Ryder Cup 2025 is never short of drama, and this year’s edition at Bethpage promises to be one of the most intense yet. With a loud and passionate American crowd awaiting, Rory McIlroy believes Team Europe can learn from none other than tennis legend Novak Djokovic on how to thrive in hostile territory.
Rory McIlroy has urged his European teammates to take inspiration from 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic when they face the USA at the 2025 Ryder Cup. Speaking ahead of the Irish Open, McIlroy explained that Europe must master their emotions and reactions to deal with the inevitable American hostility in New York.
Djokovic, who famously thrives under pressure and often in front of partisan crowds, has already shared wisdom with Team Europe. He delivered a pep talk before their emphatic victory in Rome two years ago, offering advice on mental resilience and focus. McIlroy, who was seen courtside at the US Open watching Djokovic defeat American star Taylor Fritz, said the Serb’s example is one worth copying.
“It was a very pro-American crowd. He’s been the best at handling that,” McIlroy explained. “He’s dealt with it his whole life, whether against Americans in New York or rivals like Federer and Nadal. He taught us to channel that energy in the right way, and that’s what we’ll need in Bethpage.”
Europe captain Luke Donald has named his 12-man squad, with 11 of the players from the 2023 triumph in Rome returning. McIlroy is confident that continuity, along with the right mindset, gives Europe a strong chance of defending their crown on American soil.
For McIlroy, the stakes are even higher. After completing his career Grand Slam at the Masters earlier this year, he admits winning an away Ryder Cup would make 2025 the best season of his career.
“Of course I’d love to win at the Irish Open and Wentworth, but lifting the Ryder Cup in the US would top everything,” McIlroy added.
Bethpage will be loud, intense, and unforgiving. But if McIlroy and his teammates truly embrace Djokovic’s mindset, Europe might just turn the hostility into fuel for another historic victory.