The top seed appeared to be injured after the bottle fell from the stands and bounced off his head while signing autographs following his opening-round victory at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
ROME, Italy—Novak Djokovic’s straightforward evening at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia ended in bizarre and worrying fashion when the world No. 1 was struck by a falling water bottle while attempting to exit Campo Centrale following his opening-round victory.
Djokovic was signing autographs after defeating Corentin Moutet, 6-3, 6-1, when the bottle appeared to fall from the stands and strike the top seed in the head, causing him to recoil to the ground in pain.
A statement from the tournament confirmed that the incident was an accident.
“Novak Djokovic, on leaving the Central court at the end of his match, was hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs to spectators. 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.
