The top seed at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia appeared injured after a bottle landed from the bleachers and ricocheted off his head while he was signing autographs after winning the first round.
Rome, ItalyAfter winning the opening round at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Novak Djokovic’s uneventful evening came to an unusual and unsettling climax when the world No. 1 was hit by a falling water bottle while trying to leave Campo Centrale. After beating Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-1, Djokovic was signing autographs when the bottle seemed to fall from the bleachers and hit the top seed in the head, sending him sprawling on the ground in agony.
As he was signing autographs for fans outside the Central court after his match, Novak Djokovic was struck in the head with a water bottle, according to the statement. “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 24-time Grand Slam champion remained bent towards the ground as security inspected the bottle, which looked to possibly of the heavier, stainless steel variety, before he was ultimately escorted off Campo Centrale.
A fan recording the autograph session caught the moment Djokovic was struck on camera and uploaded it to social media.
It is unclear the extent to which Djokovic is injured, and how might affect his tournament going forward. The six-time Rome champion is scheduled to face No. 29 seed Alejandro Tabilo in the third round.