Novak Djokovic struck in head by water bottle while signing autographs
Tennis star Novak Djokovic was struck in the head by a water bottle after winning a match at the Italian Open.
Novak Djokovic in action at the Italian Open. Pic: Reuters
The Serbian star went down clutching his head after a bottle struck him from the stands.
Tournament organisers said the object – thought to be an aluminium-type water bottle – fell out of a spectator’s bag as the tennis ace attempted to sign autographs.
The 36-year-old – a 24-time Grand Slam champion – stayed on the ground for a while before being helped by a security guard to the changing rooms.
He was checked over by doctors, according to tournament organisers, and did not attend his usual post-match news conference.
However, Djokovic said in a post on the X social media platform that he was “fine” and resting at the hotel “with an ice pack”.
“Thank you for the messages of concern,” he wrote.
“This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday.”
In a statement, organisers said: “While leaving centre court after his match, Novak Djokovic was hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs.
“He received medical attention and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel. His condition is not a cause for concern.”
Djokovic had a bit of blood on his head but did not require stitches, Italian Tennis Federation spokesman Alessandro Catapano said.
“We are trying to figure out who it was and understand the dynamics,” he said.
“The police came and asked for information but the person who did it had already left.”
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The incident occurred shortly after Djokovic’s 6-3, 6-1 win over French qualifier Corentin Moutet in his opening match of the Italian Open, his first match after nearly a month off.
He is due to return to the court on Sunday to play Chilean Alejandro Tabilo in the round of 32.