By Following his second-round victory at the Italian Open on Friday, world No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic accidentally struck his head with a metal water bottle while signing autographs.
The incident occurred when a fan, leaning over the railing to have Djokovic sign his notebook, accidentally dropped a water bottle from his backpack, which hit the tennis star directly on the head. Video footage shared on social media captured the moment of impact and Djokovic’s immediate reaction.
Djokovic clutched his head with both hands after the hit, crouching on the ground as a security guard swiftly moved to protect him. The security guard then escorted the tennis star through the tunnel and into the locker room to receive medical attention.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) later that day, Djokovic reassured his fans, saying, “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.”
Tournament organizers reported that doctors examined Djokovic after he sustained a bump on his head from the incident. Alessandro Catapano, a spokesman for the Italian Tennis Federation, confirmed that although he had some blood on his head, he did not require stitches. The tennis star opted to skip the post-match news conference following the incident.
The Italian Open also contacted X to confirm that the water bottle drop was accidental and that Djokovic had received appropriate medical attention. They stated, “Djokovic underwent appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel; his condition is not a cause for concern.”
The incident took place shortly after Djokovic’s impressive 6-3, 6-1 victory over French opponent Corentin Moutet. On Sunday, the Serbian tennis star will play Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in his next match.
