Novak Djokovic is ‘fine’ after he was struck a water bottle while signing autographs at the Italian Open.
The 36-year-old had beaten French qualifier Corentin Loutet 6-3, 6-1 in Rome and was greeting fans after the match.
As he was signing autographs he was whacked on the head by the bottle, which came from the stands, flooring him in the process.
AP reported that it was not thrown, but the metal water bottle fell out of a fan’s rucksack as they leant over the railing to pass Djokovic some paper to sign.
The Serb superstar received medical attention, checked on by doctors after the unexpected clunk on the top of the head, before he was escorted off court.
Later in the evening, Djokovic was recovering in his hotel room with an icepack, reassuring fans he was on the mend and will be back in action on Sunday to take on Alejandro Tabilo in is round of 32 match.
Thank you for the messages of concern,’ Djokovic tweeted.
Internazionali BNL D’Italia 2024 – Day Five
‘This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday.’
Tabilo set up his third round match against Djokovic after beating Yannick Hanfmann in his opener.
