Rory McIlroy enjoys Miami Open break as Alcaraz honours him in style

Carlos Alcaraz paid a playful tribute to Rory McIlroy after cruising into the third round of the Miami Open with a straight-sets victory over João Fonseca.

The World No.1 tennis ace secured a composed 6-4, 6-4 win before immediately turning his attention to the stands where McIlroy was watching. Grinning, Alcaraz mimicked a golf swing with his racket in a light-hearted nod to the five-time major champion.

PGA Tour superstar McIlroy is a well-known tennis enthusiast and often attends tournaments while travelling on tour. 

The Northern Irishman's appearance in Miami comes during a brief break in his schedule as he builds towards the The Masters, which begins on 9 April at Augusta National.

McIlroy will arrive in Georgia with an element of uncertainty surrounding his fitness. 

The World No.2 endured a disappointing title defence at The Players Championship last week, finishing well down the field in T46. 

McIlroy battled through lingering back discomfort at the start of the week, and the issue had already forced him to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational the week prior.

While McIlroy has since indicated his condition is improving, he is expected to continue physio treatment in the lead-up to the season’s first major. 

A decision on whether he will add the Texas Open in two weeks time to his pre-Masters schedule remains dependent on his recovery.

McIlroy featured in a TGL semi-final at the SoFi Center on Tuesday night, where his Boston Common Golf side were beaten by Tiger Woods’ Jupiter Links team.

Woods himself remains in a race against time to be fit for the season's first major at Augusta.

The 15-time major champion, who has not competed since missing the cut at The Open in 2024, is continuing his recovery from back surgery but has confirmed he will attend the traditional Champions Dinner hosted by McIlroy.

Whether he tees it up in the first round of The Masters remains to be seen.