Novak Djokovic says he’s “fine” after being hit by water bottle at Italian Open

Rome: World number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia has said he is fine after being hit on the head with a metal water bottle following his second-round win at the Italian Open 2024 in Rome. Djokovic reached the third round of the Italian Open by defeating France’s Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-1 on Center Court on Friday. It was a huge win for Djokovic, the 1,099th of his career, but the atmosphere was less than jubilant as the Serbian tennis star was injured while leaving the court. The incident occurred when Djokovic was signing autographs for supporters. Footage circulated on social media showed the 36-year-old man being hit on the head with a stainless steel water bottle, which appeared to have fallen from a stand. He immediately held his head with both his hands and fell on the ground, surrounded by security guards. Djokovic was taken off the court while officials searched for the owner of the water bottle. “Thank you for the messages of concern. It was an accident and I’m fine resting in the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday,” Djokovic posted on Twitter late Friday, ex Rome. Another aspect of the incident captured on social media shows a water bottle slipping from a fan’s bag as he reached down to ask for Djokovic’s autograph. Djokovic did not hold a press conference after his match as planned following the incident. Instead, Italian Open officials said that Djokovic received medical attention on the premises of the Foro Italico, and that his “condition is not a cause for concern.” “(Djokovic) is taking appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel; his condition is not a cause for concern,” tournament officials said in a statement on Friday. The Serbian international player is a six-time Italian Open champion and 24-time Grand Slam winner. He will now face Chile’s Alejandro Tabillo on Sunday in search of the 1,100th win of his career.