The British driver compared the situation when the car violently bounces on its suspension at high speed to football’s dementia problem.
With the weather due to improve as the day wore on, McIlroy’s tee time had the potential to prove significantly advantageous.
Tim Henman has been impressed by the progress in Iga Swiatek's game.
Long-time rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have struggled with injuries, and the former has taken inspiration from the Spaniard.