Tennis champion Novak Djokovic was struck by an aluminum bottle while signing autographs following his victory over French player Corentin Moutet at the ATP 1000 tournament in Rome. The Serbian star was immediately escorted to the locker room by security, foregoing the post-match press conference due to the injury.
The episode occurred after Djokovic’s dominant performance, defeating Moutet 6-3, 6-1 in the second round. While engaging with fans and distributing autographs, a bottle unexpectedly fell from a spectator’s backpack, hitting Djokovic on the head. Cameras captured the moment as Djokovic clutched his head in pain and crouched down.
Novak Djokovic was struck by a metal water bottle on Friday night as he signed autographs following his second-round win at the Italian Open.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 10, 2024
🎥 @DelMartin0 pic.twitter.com/Sw5RALT9IX
Tournament organizers later clarified that the incident was accidental and that the bottle had slipped from a fan’s backpack as they leaned over a barrier trying to hand Djokovic a notebook. Medical staff examined Djokovic and confirmed that he suffered a bump on his head, but stitches were not necessary.
The tournament released a video showing that Novak Djokovic was hit on the head by accident.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 10, 2024
The bottle slipped from a fan’s backpack.
Just a very unfortunate, unlucky situation. ❤️🩹
(via @InteBNLdItalia)
pic.twitter.com/5LIzzWZpMS
Djokovic, currently ranked world No. 1 and aged 36, later addressed his fans on the social media platform X, stating, “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.” His next match is set against the 29th seed, Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo.