McIlroy makes waves at Wimbledon

GOLF star Rory McIlroy was given a hero’s reception yesterday as he arrived at Wimbledon. The young Irishman arrived to hearty applause from fans after he lifted the recent US Open — his first major.

McIlroy, who sat in Centre Court’s Royal Box, arrived early at the 125th All England Lawn Tennis Club championships.

McIlroy arrived at the practice courts with three-time championship winner John McEnroe to watch the players prepare for the ladies’ quarter-finals.

The pair met Andy Murray, who plays today in the quarter-finals against Feliciano Lopez, 29, with the golfer hoping his chat could help inspire the Briton to glory.

He said: “I’m a big tennis fan. I grew up watching Tim Henman here at Wimbledon and cheering him on every summer. And now that’s passed over to Andy.

“We’re all behind him and hopefully he can win his first grand slam.”

McIlroy was joined in the Royal Box by his friend and practice partner Harry Diamond. Other notables included John Yates, assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Golf fan Paul Hampson, who met McIlroy, said: “It was a brilliant achievement to win a major at 22 years old. He’s becoming a golfing icon and it’s great to see him at such an iconic event as a fan. It’s a really nice bonus to see him here.”