Novak Djokovic Encounters Unexpected Water Bottle Attack at Italian Open

At the Italian Open, top-ranked Novak Djokovic needed medical attention after being hit in the head by a water bottle. The incident took place on Friday, May 10, after he defeated Corentin Moutet of France in the second round. After defeating the lucky loser 6-3 6-1, Djokovic was signing autographs when the bottle struck him in the head. Without delay, the Serbian grabbed his head and collapsed to his knees. He was ultimately carried off the court after lying in a crouch on the ground for a few seconds while staff members rushed to help him.

The tournament released a video showing that Novak Djokovic was hit on the head by accident.

The bottle slipped from a fan’s backpack.

Just a very unfortunate, unlucky situation.

(via @InteBNLdItalia)
pic.twitter.com/5LIzzWZpMS

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 10, 2024

Later, the broadcaster footage made it clear that the occurrence was not deliberate. As it turned out, Djokovic was trying to exit the court when a water bottle fell out of a spectator’s backpack and sadly caught him. Later, Djokovic clarified on social media that he was okay and had used an ice pack.

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The tournament said in a social media statement that “Novak Djokovic was hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs (for) spectators” as he left the Central Court after his match.

Novak Djokovic was Honored by Laureus World Sportsman

After winning the title of Laureus World Sportsman of the Year in 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2019 before his participation in the Italian Open, Novak Djokovic achieved a record-breaking fifth time in this category.

“Winning my sixth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award makes me feel immensely honored. I remember winning it for the first time as a 24-year-old in 2012. Looking back on a year that was full of excitement and success for me and my supporters, I am really delighted to be here 12 years later,” Djokovic remarked.

It was an incredible feeling to win my tenth title and go back to Australia in January of last year. This tournament holds great significance for me and has prepared me for an amazing year ahead of me. Without my amazing team and motivating opponents who constantly challenged me to be the best version of myself, I could not have succeeded to such an extent.