Most emphasize that the main problem for the European team at this year's Ryder Cup will be the home crowd. This is where the problem will be especially pronounced for inexperienced golfers, who so far have not had contact with the home crowd and do not know what this prestigious competition entails.
However, the European team has mostly the same players as two years ago, but among them there are still a few inexperienced players who could have problems with the pressure in this tournament.
Rory McIlroy will certainly be an important figure in the team, probably the most important, and his advice could be crucial for younger golfers.
In an interview with the BBC, the 36-year-old golfer revealed how he will deal with American fans during the Ryder Cup, admitting that Novak Djokovic helped him in this regard.
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The Serbian tennis player generally did not have the support of fans like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or some other players, but he was always dedicated to success and managed to find his recipe for the shouts of fans who often did not favor him.
"I watched a little bit of Novak Djokovic [Tuesday] night playing in his match against Taylor Fritz," -Rory said.
It was a very pro-American crowd and he's been the best at handling that. He's had to deal with it his whole life, whether it's playing against an American in New York or playing against Roger [Federer] or Rafa [Nadal].
He came and spoke to us a little bit about that stuff last time in Rome so [it's about] maybe taking a leaf out of his book and channelling that energy the right way."- he said as quoted by BBC.
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Novak Djokovic as an example to others
For Novak Djokovic, there is a generally accepted opinion that he is the mentally strongest athlete. Dealing with that kind of pressure year after year, enduring various reactions from fans and staying mentally strong even when they don't support you, is really commendable.
For years, the Serbian tennis player defied everyone and achieved incredible success.
Rory McIlroy immediately noticed such things, aware that Novak Djokovic can serve as an example for everyone.
