Novak Djokovic I wasn't going to take any chances this weekend.
He Serbian tennis star He appeared at the Foro Italico in Rome on Saturday wearing a bicycle helmet while signing autographs for fans with a smile.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic takes part in a training session during the ATP Rome Open men's tennis tournament at the Foro Italico in Rome on May 11, 2024. (TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)
“I came prepared today,” he said in a social media post.
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The decision to wear protective gear was made after a terrifying scene at the Italian Open just a day earlier.
After a 6-3, 6-1 victory over French qualifier Corentin Moutet, Djokovic was leaving the clay court when he stopped to sign autographs for fans. That's when an aluminum water bottle fell from the crowd above, hitting Djokovic directly on the top of his head.
He collapsed to the ground, where he appeared to hold his head for several minutes before finally walking off the court.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during the men's singles second round match against Corentin Moutet of France during day five of the Internazionali BNL D'Italia 2024 at Foro Italico on May 10, 2024, in Rome, Italy. (Giampiero Sposito/Getty Images)
NOVAK DJOKOVIC INJURED BY A BOTTLE FALLING ON THE HEAD WHILE SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS
“While leaving Center Court after his match, Novak Djokovic was hit in the head with 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 ” the organizers said in a statement.
Djokovic issued his own statement on X calling the incident an “accident.”
“Thank you for the messages of concern. This was an accident and I'm fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday.”
Serbia's Novak Djokovic takes part in a training session during the ATP Rome Open men's tennis tournament at the Foro Italico in Rome on May 11, 2024. (TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)
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Tournament organizers later shared a video revealing that a fan who bowed to greet Djokovic was responsible for the incident. The video showed the water bottle falling from a backpack he was carrying as he leaned over the stands.
Despite everything, Djokovic, 36, seemed to be in good spirits when he arrived at the Rome sports facilities on Saturday. He won his first match on Friday after almost a month off.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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