ROME – Novak Djokovic needed medical attention after he was accidentally hit in the head with a water bottle following an Italian Open victory on Friday.
A man was leaning over the fence to hand Djokovic a notebook for signature and an aluminum water bottle fell from his backpack and hit the top-ranked player on the top of the head.
After being hit, Djokovic placed both hands on his head and curled up on the ground while a security guard protected him. He was then helped down the tunnel to the locker room.
Djokovic suffered a blow to the head and was examined by doctors, tournament organizers said. He did not hold his usual postgame press conference.
“As he left Center Court after the match, Novak Djokovic was hit in the head with a water bottle while signing autographs. He received medical attention and left Foro Itálico to return to the hotel. His condition is not a cause for concern,” organizers said in a statement.
Djokovic had some blood on his head but did not need stitches, Italian Tennis Federation spokesman Alessandro Catapano said.
“Nole was taken to his hotel and appears fine. He was upset, but he seemed fine,” Catapano said. “We are very upset about what happened and we are trying to find out who did it and understand the dynamics.
“The police came and asked for information, but whoever did this had already left,” Catapano added. “We are looking at all video and camera angles to see if we can determine what exactly happened.”
The incident occurred shortly after Djokovic’s 6-3, 6-1 victory over Frenchman Corentin Moutet in the qualifiers in his debut match. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was back after nearly a month off.
Djokovic has a day off before his next scheduled match at the clay-court tournament on Sunday.
The 36-year-old Serbian is preparing to defend his title at the French Open, which starts on May 26th.
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AP Tennis:
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