PremiumItalian Open 2024: I’ve come prepared, says Novak Djokovic after bottle incident
While signing autographs after his second round match at the Italian Open, Novak Djokovic was struck on the head by a water bottle.
Last Updated: 07.54 PM, May 11, 2024
It was an accident, but took tennis player Novak Djokovic by surprise. Novak Djokovic was signing autographs for fans when he was struck on the head by a water bottle. Turns out, when an eager fan leaned over, the bottle slipped out of the backpack and struck the tennis great.
Djokovic fell to his knees clutching his head as an immediate reaction to the impact, but after receiving medical aid immediately thereafter, he returned to his hotel room, tournament officials said, adding that there was no cause for concern.
Djokovic, took to social media to reassure his fans, writing, “"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." Djokovic, who is known for his great wit made sure on Saturday that everyone knows that there was no reason to worry as he came to meet fans.
In a video he posted on social media, Djokovic is seen wearing a biking helmet over his cap as he walks towards fans. The post was captioned, “I came prepared”. Djokovic, who beat Corentin Moutet 6-3 6-1, will face Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in the next round at the Italian Open.
Djokovic has not had a great start to 2024, even though he is the No.1 seeded player in Rome. He will look at ending his dry spell here, before heading to Roland Garos for the French Open. Novak has won the Italian 6 times and is still way behind Rafael Nadal, who has 10 wins to his credit. Nadal has, however, crashed out of the tournament, following a second round loss to Hubert Hurkacz. The 2024 season marks the end of the road for the 37-year-old Spaniard’s professional tennis journey.
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