Reports of the demise of Rory McIlroy and Caroline Wozniacki’s relationship appear to have been greatly exaggerated after the pair announced their engagement.

Sport's most famous couple – the Northern Irishman, twice a major golf winner, and Wozniacki, the former world No1 tennis player – took to Twitter to post photos of the fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and of Wozniacki’s unusually large diamond engagement ring.

McIlroy tweeted: “Happy New Year everyone! I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year!! My first victory of 2014 #shesaidyes!!”

A three-part photo of McIlroy and Wozniacki together, the Sydney fireworks and the Dane’s diamond ring was attached to the golfer’s post.

Wozniacki’s tweet read: “Happy New Year everyone! Rory and I started 2014 with a bang! ... I said YES!!!”A source close to McIlroy confirmed the engagement. Wozniacki, after all, has previous for practical jokes via social media, including one infamous picture of an open-mouthed McIlroy mid-sleep in September, which supposedly riled her 24-year-old partner.

Wozniacki, the world No10, is preparing for the Australian Open but withdrew from the Brisbane International on Sunday because of an injured shoulder. McIlroy, who won the Australian Open on 1 December by a single shot from Adam Scott, will return to competitive golf in Abu Dhabi in mid-January.

McIlroy's Sydney win was his only one in 2013. He made a lucrative change to Nike equipment after a highly successful 2012, in which he led golf's world rankings. In mid-October it was reported in the Irish media that McIlroy had told Wozniacki their relationship was over. A month later, however, Wozniacki was present for all four competitive days of the DP World Tour Championship golf in Dubai.

During that event McIlroy said: “She started her pre-season a couple of days ago and was on court this morning at seven o’clock. So she got some practice in before coming to see me. It’s good to have her here.”

McIlroy has staunchly refused to discuss speculation about his relationship with Wozniacki, whom he started dating in 2011. “My private life is private and I would like to keep it that way,” McIlroy has said.

Wozniacki was more forthcoming, stating: “All is well. I just want to be allowed to live my life off the court without all the speculation.”

The news creates an intriguing scenario for bookmakers. Last January Ladbrokes offered odds of 5-1 on McIlroy and Wozniacki becoming engaged during 2013. While they did so in British time, it was 2014 in Australia by the time it was confirmed.

Guardian Service