While signing autographs for fans after his second-round victory against Corentin Moutet, Novak Djokovic was struck on the head by a water bottle. The incident happened as a fan leaned over to hand Djokovic a notebook for a signature, causing an aluminum-type water bottle to fall out of his backpack and hit Djokovic on the top of his head.
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After securing a victory in the second round against French qualifier Corentin Moutet with a score of 6-3, 6-1, Novak Djokovic was in the process of signing autographs for fans when an unfortunate mishap occurred.
A spectator leaned over the railing to hand Djokovic a notebook for his signature. An aluminum-type water bottle slipped out of the spectator’s backpack and struck Djokovic on the top of his head.
Novak Djokovic immediately reacted by placing his hands on his head and then curling up on the ground.
Novak Djokovic reassured fans on social media that he was “fine” and receiving proper medical attention including the application of an ice pack.
Tournament organizers confirmed that Djokovic sustained a bump on his head and was evaluated by medical professionals.
Alessandro Catapano, a spokesman for the Italian Tennis Federation expressed regret over the incident and addressed the efforts to identify the individual responsible through video surveillance footage.
Analysis revealed that it was indeed an accident, with no intent behind the spectator’s actions.
Novak Djokovic remained focused on his upcoming matches with a day of rest before his next scheduled appearance at the tournament.
The incident occurred as Djokovic prepares for the upcoming French Open, where he is set to defend his title.
His physical well-being following the accident will be monitored as he continues his preparations for the Grand Slam event.
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In addition Djokovic received recognition off the court as well winning the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for the fifth time.
The impact of the water bottle caused Djokovic to react by clutching his head and curling up on the ground.
Tournament security quickly intervened to assist him off the court and into the locker room for medical evaluation.
Sustaining a bump on his head and a minor injury, Djokovic reassured fans of his well-being via social media, stating that it was an accident and that he was resting with an ice pack at the hotel.
Novak Djokovic received medical attention from tournament doctors. Although he had a small amount of blood on his head, he fortunately did not require stitches.
The Italian Tennis Federation released a statement addressing the incident, confirming that Novak Djokovic underwent appropriate medical treatment and had already returned to his hotel.
They expressed their regret over the unfortunate occurrence and pledged to investigate the incident further, reviewing video footage and camera angles to identify the individual responsible.
Video evidence later revealed that the incident was accidental as the water bottle slipped from a spectator’s backpack and struck Djokovic as he was leaving the court.
He had a day off before his next scheduled match on Sunday, where he was set to face Chilean Alejandro Tabilo. Novak Djokovic’s commitment to his sport were evident as he maintained his focus on the competition.
Novak Djokovic was honored with the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for the fifth time in his career.
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