Italian Open: Novak Djokovic wears cycling helmet to sign autographs after being struck on head

11 May 2024, 03:37 | Updated: 11 May 2024, 15:37

Tennis star Novak Djokovic showed himself to be a good sport after being hit on the head by a metal water bottle - wearing a cycling helmet as he signed autographs for fans while training at the Italian Open.

The world number one poked fun at himself a day after he fell to the floor when the container slipped out of a spectator's backpack and struck him following his second round win in Rome.

The 36-year-old Serbian - a 24-time Grand Slam champion - stayed on the ground for a while before being helped by a security guard to the changing rooms.

He was checked over by doctors, according to tournament organisers, and did not attend his usual post-match news conference.

However, Djokovic said in a post on X that he was "fine" and resting at the hotel "with an ice pack".

"Thank you for the messages of concern," he wrote.

"This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday."

In a statement, organisers said: "While leaving centre court after his match, Novak Djokovic was hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs.

"He received medical attention and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel. His condition is not a cause for concern."

Djokovic had a bit of blood on his head but did not require stitches, Italian Tennis Federation spokesman Alessandro Catapano said.

"We are trying to figure out who it was and understand the dynamics," he said.

"The police came and asked for information but the person who did it had already left."

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The incident occurred shortly after Djokovic's 6-3, 6-1 win over French qualifier Corentin Moutet in his opening match of the Italian Open, his first match after nearly a month off.

He is due to return to the court on Sunday to play Chilean Alejandro Tabilo in the round of 32.

(c) Sky News 2024: Italian Open: Novak Djokovic wears cycling helmet to sign autographs after being struck on head