A new video was released on Friday that shows what really happened when Novak Djokovic was hit on the head by a metal water bottle after his match at the Italian Open.
Djokovic defeated qualifier Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-1 in his second-round match at Rome. After the match, Djokovic stopped on his way into the locker room tunnel to sign autographs. While he was standing to sign autographs, he was hit in the head by a metal water bottle.
The initial video lacked a full picture of what happened and made it seem like someone was trying to injure the tennis star.
Oh my god Djokovic got hit by a bottle while leaving the court in Rome.
Hoping all is good! pic.twitter.com/YAQPySrukI
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) May 10, 2024
However, the organizers for the Internazionali BNL d’Italia tournament later released a video that showed the water bottle slipped out of a fan’s backpack and landed on Djokovic by accident.
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
“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,” the tournament said in a statement.
Though he was left bleeding on his head, Djokovic later posted a message on social media to share that he was doing fine.
“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,” Djokovic wrote.
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. #IBI24
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 10, 2024
Djokovic is set to face Alejandro Tabilo in the third round on Sunday. The 24-time major champion is gearing up for the French Open.
