Novak Djokovic wasn’t taking any chances this weekend.
The Serbian tennis star showed up to the Foro Italico in Rome on Saturday sporting a bicycle helmet as he signed autographs for fans with a smile.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic takes part in a training session during the Men’s ATP Rome Open tennis tournament at Foro Italico in Rome on May 11, 2024. (TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)
“Today I came prepared,” he said in a post on social media.
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The decision to wear protective gear followed a scary scene at the Italian Open just a day earlier.
After a 6-3, 6-1 win over French qualifier Corentin Moutet, Djokovic was exiting the clay court when he stopped to sign autographs for fans. That’s when an aluminum water bottle fell from the crowd above, hitting Djokovic directly on the top of his head.
He collapsed to the ground where he appeared to hold his head for several minutes before eventually exiting the court.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during the Men’s Singles second round match against Corentin Moutet of France during Day Five of the Internazionali BNL D’Italia 2024 at Foro Italico on May 10, 2024, in Rome, Italy. (Giampiero Sposito/Getty Images)
NOVAK DJOKOVIC INJURED AFTER BOTTLE FALLS ON HIS HEAD WHILE SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS
“While leaving center court after his match, Novak Djokovic was hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs. He received medical attention and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel. His condition is not a cause for concern,” organizers said in a statement.
Djokovic released a statement of his own on X calling the incident an “accident.”
“Thank you for the messages of concern. This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday.”
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic takes part in a training session during the Men’s ATP Rome Open tennis tournament at Foro Italico in Rome on May 11, 2024. (TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)
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Tournament organizers later shared a video revealing that a fan leaning over to greet Djokovic was responsible for the incident. Video showed the water bottle falling out of a backpack he was wearing as he leaned over the stands.
Despite it all, Djokovic, 36, appeared to be in good spirits as he arrived at the sports facility in Rome on Saturday. He won his first match on Friday after taking nearly a month off.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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