Stephen HollyRome, Italy – In a lighthearted response to a recent incident, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic was spotted wearing a cycling helmet as he signed autographs for fans during training at the Italian Open on Saturday.
The world number one was struck on the head by a metal water bottle that slipped out of a spectator’s backpack following his second-round victory over Corentin Moutet on Friday. Djokovic fell to the ground but remained there for a while before being assisted by security to the changing rooms.
Despite the concerning incident, the 36-year-old Serbian took it in stride, poking fun at himself by donning the protective headgear the following day. Tournament organizers confirmed that Djokovic received medical attention, but his condition was not a cause for concern.
“This was an accident, and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack,” Djokovic wrote on X (formerly Twitter), thanking fans for their messages of concern.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion did not require stitches, according to Italian Tennis Federation spokesman Alessandro Catapano, but there was some blood on his head after the incident.
Organizers are investigating the matter, with Catapano stating, “We are trying to figure out who it was and understand the dynamics. The police came and asked for information, but the person who did it had already left.”
Djokovic, who was playing his first match after nearly a month off, is scheduled to return to the court on Sunday to face Chilean Alejandro Tabilo in the round of 32.
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