While golf’s Rory McIlroy may have only been able to win one major competition last year, he started 2014 with the most important victory of his career, announcing his engagement to long-time girlfriend and tennis star, Caroline Wozniacki, via Twitter on New Year’s Day.

The announcement of the couple’s engagement follows a swirl of rumors surrounding their many potential break-ups since their relationship began in 2011. The most recent and hard-hitting rumor came this October when “sources” revealed that McIlroy had ended his relationship with Wozniacki for good following her post of this TwitPic:

Jetlag @mcilroyrory ? Lol!! pic.twitter.com/fJFXpilGhA

— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) September 16, 2013

Despite the constant controversy surrounding the couple’s relationship, Wozzilroy (the couple’s self-dubbed nickname) continues to persist, even with their busy schedules which often keep them apart.

Happy New Year everyone! I have a feeling it's going to be a great year!! My first victory of 2014 #shesaidyes!! pic.twitter.com/gxO7rDDyPY

— Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) December 31, 2013

Fortunately, the couple was able to be together in Sydney, Australia this New Year’s as Wozniacki prepares for this month’s Australian Open.

2013 was not a good year for either Wozniacki or McIlroy. Last year, Wozniacki slid to No. 10 in the world after reaching the final weekend of only two tournaments all year (winning the last tournament of the season at Luxembourg) and performing poorly in almost all the Grand Slam events. (Her best effort being a fourth round finish at last year’s Australian Open.)

While Wozniacki starts this year on a good note with the announcement of her engagement, the road to tennis success will not be easy. Wozniacki starts 2014 with a right shoulder injury which forced her to withdraw from the Brisbane International; a move which was made to ensure she was prepared for the Australian Open which starts January 13:

“… right now I just need some good physio, good treatment, and my head is still in Sydney. I’ve been working really well and hard in this off‑season with no problems. I wanted to start of the year well. That’s why I made the decision to withdraw from here, just because I didn’t feel like there was a need to make it worse before going into the [Australian] Open as well.”

As for her future husband, McIlroy needs a strong year following a 2013 in which he went winless on the USPGA tour and whose best showing at a major was 8th place at the US Open until he won the Australian Open last month.

Unfortunately, the newly engaged couple will find themselves parting ways again soon, as Wozniacki participates in the Australian Open this January while McIlroy heads to the Middle East to play at Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Image via Twitter