Djokovic Hit By A Bottle After Winning The Opening Match In Rome

Novak Djokovic/PHOTO via Instagram @ djokernole

JAKARTA - The fast start of Novak Djokovic at the Italian Open was overshadowed by a plastic bottle-throwing incident while greeting fans following a 6-3, 6-1 victory over French tennis player Corentin Moutet in Rome, Friday (10/5) local time.

World number one Djokovic immediately squatted in pain after the bottle hit the back of his head when he shared his signature while leaving the midfield at the Italianco Foro.

Djokovic was then herded out of the arena on foot by security staff protecting the 24-time Grand Slam champion as he walked towards the inside of the stands.

A spokesman for the Italian Tennis Federation (FITP) said Djokovic had been brought back to his hotel with a minor bleeding in the head and there was no risk he would withdraw from the tournament.

The spokesman said Djokovic did not need stitches and the bottle most likely fell when a fan tried to catch the player's attention, adding that security camera footage was being checked to help identify the culprit.

"There is no need to worry about the condition," said the organizer, as quoted by ANTARA from AFP, Saturday, May 11.

Organizers then shared a video showing how the bottle accidentally slipped from the audience's grip before landing on Djokovic's head.

Djokovic's resignation will be a disaster for tournament organizers as they have lost two big stars, namely world number two Jannik Sinner and third-placed Carlos Alcaraz who stepped down before the start of the tournament.

If Djokovic is fine as FITP says, he will face Chile's Alejandro Tabilo in the third half with a great opportunity to add to his streak at the Italianco Foro, where only Rafael Nadal won more with 10 titles.

Djokovic then told fans about his condition.

"Thank you for the message of concern. This is an accident and I am well off at the hotel with an ice compress. See you on Sunday," Djokovic said via his social media account.