World number one Novak Djokovic required medical attention after being struck on the head by a water bottle at the Italian Open. The incident happened following his second-round win against France's Corentin Moutet on Friday, 10 May. Djokovic was signing autographs after his easy 6-3 6-1 victory against the lucky loser when he was hit on the head by the bottle. The Serbian immediately clutched his head and fell to his knees. He remained crouched on the ground for several seconds as staff ran to his aid and was eventually helped off the court.
It was revealed later via the broadcaster footage that there was no malice in the incident. It turned out that a water bottle had slipped from a spectator's bag and unfortunately caught Djokovic, who was on his way of going out of the court. Djokovic took to his social media later on to clarify that he was fine and had applied an ice pack.
"He underwent appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel."
"Thank you for the messages of concern," Djokovic wrote on the social media platform X. "This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday."
He next plays Chilean Alejandro Tabilo.
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Source: India Today