Novak Djokovic struck by water bottle after Italian Open match

Novak Djokovic was struck in the head by a water bottle following his first-round victory at the Italian Open. 

The tennis phenom, 36, had just defeated French player Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-1 on May 10 and was greeting fans in the stands to sign autographs. 

Social media footage shared via X captured the moment the bottle accidentally fell from above, striking Djokovic and causing him to fall to the ground in pain.

Security personnel swiftly attended to Djokovic and escorted him back into the Foro Italico building in Rome. 

A statement released by tournament organizers assured fans that the athlete "underwent appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel," adding that "his condition is not a cause for concern."

"We’re very upset about what happened, and we are trying to figure out who it was and understand the dynamics," Tennis Federation spokesperson Alessandro Catapano explained. 

He noted that the police are reviewing video footage to uncover more details about the incident.

Despite the accident, Djokovic is expected to compete in his next match against Alejandro Tabilo on May 12 as he attempts to defend his title at the French Open later this month.

This isn't the first time Djokovic has been involved in an accidental on-court injury. 

At the US Open in 2020, he was disqualified after inadvertently striking a lineswoman with a tennis ball.