While breaking up may be hard to do at the best of times, sporting stars also have to deal with public scrutiny when parting ways with their lovers.
Caroline Wozniacki and Rory McIlroy’s split, which was announced soon after sending out wedding invitations, is the latest in a list of high profile sportspeople whose romantic unions have ended amicably or otherwise.
From Andre Agassi and Brooke Shields calling it quits to Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio memorably failing to go the go the distance, some relationship break-ups have received more media attention than some of their sporting careers.
The separation of golf star Tiger Woods and model Elin Nordegren attracted extensive media coverage in 2009. Woods admitted to having affairs with several women. The divorce was finalised in 2010.
Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy broke off his relationship with Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki this week, admitting he wasn’t ready for the bond of marriage.
Tennis couple Lleyton Hewitt and Kim Clijsters announced their relationship was over in October 2004 after being engaged for 10 months.
San Antonio Spurs basketballer Tony Parker separated from actress Eva Longoria after three years of marriage in 2010, amid allegations of infidelity.
New York Yankees baseballer Alex Rodriguez finally cut romantic ties with Cameron Diaz in 2011, after an on and off two-year relationship. It followed A-Rod’s ugly divorce battle with ex-wife Cynthia Scurtis in 2008.
Former tennis world number one Andre Agassi’s marriage to actress Brooke Shields collapsed just before their second wedding anniversary.
Tennis hall of fame inductee Martina Hingis and equestrian show jumper Thibault Hutin split last year following the Frenchman’s claims she had cheated on him several times since their 2010 marriage.
Formula 1 driver Dario Franchitti and Hollywood actress Ashley Judd ended their 11-year marriage in January.
NBA player Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra married in Las Vegas in 1998 only for the Baywatch star to file for divorce in April 1999.
Actress Marilyn Monroe filed for divorce from baseball icon Joe DiMaggio nine months after the wedding in January 1954, citing ‘mental cruelty’.
Cricketer Michael Clarke and model Lara Bingle broke off their engagement in 2010 after a three-year romance.
NBA legend Michael Jordan’s 2006 split from Juanita Vanoy was among the most expensive divorces in history, with Vanoy receiving $168 million.
Tennis ace Maria Sharapova called off her engagement to basketball player Sasha Vujacic in 2012. The couple were engaged in 2010 – one year on from their first meeting.
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