Novak Djokovic was brought to his knees and needed to be ushered out after being struck with a hard plastic water bottle following his 6-3, 6-1 win over Corentin Moutet at the Italian Open in Rome on Friday. The straight sets win took him to the third round.
World No. 1 Djokovic crouched on the ground in pain as the bottle hit him flush on top of his head as he was signing autographs for fans while he exited the centre court at the Foro Italico.
Djokovic was then led from the arena on foot by security staff who covered the six-time champion while he made his way into the bowels of the stands.
Il y a quand même des enculés sur Terre...
— Martinho (@DelMartin0) May 10, 2024
Stay strong Novak 💪🔥#Djokovic #IBI24 #ATPRome pic.twitter.com/OLRWJYWfB7
Italian Open organisers later confirmed that it was an accident. The ball had gotten out of an individuals bag accidentally and crashed into Djokovic.
The @InteBNLdItalia team showcases a video showing that the Djokovic case was ‘’an accident’. #Djokovic pic.twitter.com/IX6T4ihEVK
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) May 10, 2024
“Novak Djokovic on leaving the Central court at the end of his match was accidentally hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs to spectators. He underwent appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel; his condition is not a cause for concern”, the Management of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia announced.
"Novak Djokovic on leaving the Central court at the end of his match was accidentally hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs to spectators. He underwent appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel; his condition is not a…
— Internazionali BNL d'Italia (@InteBNLdItalia) May 10, 2024
Djokovic posted on social media couple of hours after the incident that he was recovering at the hotel.
“Thank you for the messages of concern. This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Thank you for the messages of concern. This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday. #IBI24
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 10, 2024
Djokovic will take on Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo next as the 24-time Grand Slam champion warms up for the French Open with a great chance to add to his array of titles at the Foro Italico, where only Rafael Nadal has won more with 10.
The top seed, who turns 37 a few days before Roland Garros gets underway on 26 May, easily won his first match since losing to Casper Ruud in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters .
Djokovic has made no secret in the past that he loves playing in Italy and with a clutch of big names either injured or struggling , he will fancy his chances of a record-extending 41st Masters 1000 crown.
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