McIlroy Sympathises with Cricketer Jonathan Trotts, Cites the Mental Toll Sports can take on Players

He’s been through his own troubles this year on and off the course, so it’s no surprise that Rory McIlroy has voiced his support for England cricketer Jonathan Trotts, who has had to leave the Ashes series in Australia to deal with a stress-related illness.
 
McIlroy, who is also in Australia as he prepares for the start of the Australian Open this weekend, expressed his concern for fellow sportsman Trotts.
 
“It's sad to see something like that happen and it just shows what a mental toll sport can take on you sometimes,” the Nike player told reporters.  “Hopefully he gets home and spends some time with his family and recovers and can come back.”
 
24-year-old McIlroy can definitely understand the type of pressure facing Trotts.  This year the Northern Irishman has gone from the number one golfer in the world down to number six.  Following a sponsorship switch, he has struggled throughout the season to settle into the rhythm and form he showed last season.  Leaving many to question whether or not he can recover.
 
Beyond the course McIlroy has been at the center of a legal dispute with Oakley, a highly publicised split with his former management team as well as facing intense media scrutiny over his relationship with professional tennis player Caroline Wozniacki.
 
McIlroy admitted earlier this month that distractions off the course had definitely contributed to a lack luster 2013 season.  He reiterated those sentiments this week in Australia.
 
“It's been a long year, I guess mentally more than physically,” he said.  “It's not just the golf and being frustrated with my game, but having to answer the questions and having to come up with reasons why I'm not playing well and all that stuff.”
 
McIlroy will be hoping to put all the year’s troubles behind him, as he looks for a win at Royal Sydney this weekend.