Novak Djokovic falls to the floor and requires medical treatment after being struck in the head by a bottle dropped by a fan in the crowd after signing autographs at the Italian Open in Rome
- Novak Djokovic hit by a water bottle after winning his Italian Open opener
- The world number 1 was signing autographs when the object appeared to have been thrown
- After being hit, Djokovic was cradled to the ground before being helped away
Novak Djokovic required medical treatment after being hit by a bottle while signing autographs for supporters at the Italian Open.
In his first match since crashing out of the Monte-Carlo Masters at the half stage last month, Djokovic took on Frenchman Corentin Moutet on center court.
After some early setbacks in a slow start, the 36-year-old recovered to beat Moutet comfortably. He earned a 6-3, 6-1 victory in Rome, setting up a showdown with Alejandro Tabilo on Sunday.
As he walked off the court and into the tunnel after the match, Djokovic stopped to autograph a fan’s hat.
As he did so, a video shared online showed a water bottle coming down from the stand next to him and hitting him on the head with some force.
Novak Djokovic was hit by a water bottle on Friday after beating Corentin Moutet at the Italian Open
The bottle is said to have accidentally fallen out of the bag of a fan who was trying to get an autograph
The world number 1 will face number 29 Alejandro Tabilo in the third round on Sunday
The world number 1 remained on the ground for some time after being hit before being led inside by officials as fans wondered where the missile came from.
In response to the shocking clip, one fan wrote on social media: ‘Wtfā¦.. ban these guys asap if it was intentional. It looks like it fell unconsciously. Stay safe and strong Nole’
Another wrote: ‘I hope this was just an accident and someone dropped their bottle because it got too busy and people were pushing too much in that area, but…
“I can’t rule out that someone who has no idea might think it would be a good idea to throw something heavy at someone who isn’t even looking.”
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Fans expressed their support for Djokovic in social media posts after the incident
The incident comes after British star Dan Evans was involved in a blazing row with a referee during his first round clash in Rome.
Evans launched a tirade against the referee after disagreeing with the referee’s decision as he was beaten by home favorite Fabio Fognini.