Novak Djokovic Suffers Head Injury after Bottle Incident at Italian Open

Novak Djokovic was treated for a head injury after he was struck by an aluminum-type bottle during an autograph session following his victory at the Italian Open.

World-renowned tennis star Novak Djokovic was the victim of a frightening incident at the Italian Open on May 10, 2024, when he was struck by a bottle after his match against Corentin Moutet. The incident sent shockwaves through the tennis community, raising concerns about the safety of players and fans at sporting events.

As Djokovic was graciously signing autographs for his fans, a bottle fell from the stands, colliding both with the Serbian superstar and the ground. The loud clang of the bottle caused a collective gasp from the crowd, as Djokovic instantly dropped to his knees, clutching his head in pain.

Medical personnel rushed to the scene, where they tended to Djokovic for nearly a minute before assisting him into the tunnel leading to the locker rooms. The Italian Open organizers released a statement shortly after, confirming that Djokovic had "underwent appropriate medication" and had "already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel." His condition was not considered a cause for immediate concern, though his discomfort was evident.

An alternate angle of the incident captured by a spectator revealed that the bottle had fallen from a few feet above Djokovic's head after it slipped out of the backpack of a fan who appeared to be attempting to get an autograph. The Italian Tennis Federation (ITF) confirmed that Djokovic had sustained a bump on his head, but he did not require stitches.

According to ITF spokesman Alessandro Catapano, Djokovic had a small amount of blood on his head but was not seriously injured. "Nole was taken to his hotel, and he seems OK. He was upset, but he seems OK," Catapano said. He added that the ITF was deeply dismayed by the incident and was determined to identify the perpetrator and fully understand the circumstances.

The incident marked a sobering moment for the tournament and the sport of tennis as a whole. The safety of players and fans is paramount, and the ITF vowed to take all necessary measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The match was Djokovic's first of the tournament, and his first in nearly a month. He had a day off before his next scheduled match at the clay court tournament on Sunday.

The 36-year-old Serb is preparing to defend his title at the French Open, which starts on May 26. The incident at the Italian Open served as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants and spectators involved in sporting events.