Rory McIlroy inadvertently pulled a bucket of sweets away from his wife, Erica Stoll, while seated in the Royal Box at Wimbledon on day three. The incident was captured by BBC cameras and broadcast to viewers, drawing laughter from presenter Clare Balding.
The Sweet Incident Unfolds
McIlroy, accompanied by his wife of nine years, was in the front row of the Royal Box alongside fellow golfers Luke Donald, Tommy Fleetwood, and Edoardo Molinari. As the customary bucket of sweets reached their row, Molinari passed it to McIlroy, who was wearing a green jacket reminiscent of the Masters Green Jacket.
McIlroy turned to offer Stoll some sweets, and she rested her hand on the bucket while considering her options. However, after a brief deliberation, McIlroy pulled the bucket away and began passing it along just as Stoll reached in to grab one. The moment was caught on camera, prompting laughter from Balding and the audience.
BBC Commentators React
Clare Balding teased the segment, saying, "This I think you're going to enjoy. This is a section we're going to call Wimbledon wildcards and first of all they are handing around the sweets in the Royal Box." She continued, "That's [Edoardo] Molinari, he hands it through to McIlroy. That's a nice leather." Tim Henman added, "There's a good supply in that bucket. A few eclairs, a few sherbert lemons."
Balding then quipped, "Erica then! She's just about to take one and he rips it away!" The lighthearted moment entertained viewers and highlighted the relaxed atmosphere of the Royal Box.
Djokovic Praises McIlroy
Later that evening, McIlroy stayed to watch Novak Djokovic defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets. During his post-match on-court interview, Djokovic gave McIlroy a special mention. He said, "Rory, Justin [Thomas], obviously Luke [Donald], it's nice to see you guys. Congrats Team Europe on the Ryder Cup, I watched you guys. Rory, what a beautiful jacket. Is that a Masters jacket? It must be. Round of applause for Rory for the Masters, please."
Djokovic added, "I want that jacket. I'll play you. This jacket for that jacket, we'll play tennis! No golf. I want to thank them obviously for being present. I know they arrived early and stayed all day so thank you guys. It really means a lot seeing you here."
