Watch: Novak Djokovic struck, knocked down by water bottle

Novak Djokovic BRANDON MAGPANTAY/ Special to The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Novak Djokovic accidentally struck, knocked down by metal water bottle

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 5/10/24

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic earned a second-round victory in straight sets (6-3, 6-1) against Corentin Moutet at the Italian Open on Friday.

As he was exiting the court and signing autographs, however, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was accidentally struck, knocked down and bloodied by a metal water bottle. When the news was first reported, it was unknown whether the bottle had fallen onto Djokovic's head or if it was thrown.

As more videos of the scary incident came out, though, it became clear that it was an accident.

An aluminium-type water bottle fell out of a child's backpack and hit the top-ranked player on the top of his head, local organisers said, according to the Associated Press.
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) May 10, 2024

It is unclear if the object was thrown or fell by accident, but Novak Djokovic clearly was in distress as he fell to the floor.

He stayed on the ground for more than 30 seconds before being escorted out by ground staff.https://t.co/tGYfaWPslt
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 10, 2024

The @InteBNLdItalia team showcases a video showing that the Djokovic case was ‘’an accident’. #Djokovic pic.twitter.com/IX6T4ihEVK
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) May 10, 2024

According to a report by Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic, the "Joker" remained on the ground for "more than 30 seconds" and his post-match news conference was cancelled.

It was announced soon after that Djokovic had returned to his hotel and was doing better.

"He underwent appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel; his condition is not a cause for concern", the Management of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia announced."
— Charlie Eccleshare (@CDEccleshare) May 10, 2024

Per an ESPN and Associated Press report, Italian Tennis Federation spokesman Alessandro Catapano said that the 36-year-old had a bit of blood but did not need stitches.

"Nole was taken to his hotel and he seems OK. He was upset, but he seems OK," Catapano said.

Djokovic's scare wasn't the only unusual moment of the night.

During the first game of the second set, Moutet's phone alarm began going off, leading to an interruption in play.

Wakey, wakey, @moutet99

The Frenchman's phone alarm goes off during his match with @DjokerNole!#IBI24 pic.twitter.com/ESEx36Cy9t
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 10, 2024

With Djokovic's Friday victory, the Serbian advanced to face Alejandro Tabilo in the third round on Sunday.

Djokovic has won the Italian Open six times.

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