Djokovic hit on head by bottle falling from fan’s backpack in stands

After a relatively routine evening on court, defeating Corentin Moutet in straight sets to reach the third round of the Rome Masters, Novak Djokovic was heading off and signing some autographs before drama found him once again.

In initially confusing scenes, he was struck plumb on the head by a bottle, causing him to drop to the ground as officials rushed to the scene.

Unsurprisingly, observers jumped to the worst possible conclusion – that it was a weapon that had intentionally been thrown at the world No 1.

A statement from the tournament was released, stating: “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.”

However, footage quickly emerged showing that the incident was a fluke accident. The bottle slipped from the side of a backpack worn by a fan leaning over to reach towards Djokovic in the tunnel.

The 36-year-old will play Alejandro Tabilo in the third round.

You might also like this

Rome Masters: Djokovic moves into third round, defeats lucky loser Moutet

tennis majors

Moutet’s phone interrupts mid-match with Djokovic

tennis majors