Novak Djokovic required medical treatment after being hit by a bottle while signing autographs for supporters at the Italian Open.
In his first match since crashing out of the Monte-Carlo Masters at the semi-stage last month, Djokovic took on Frenchman Corentin Moutet on centre court.
After a slow start, the 36-year-old recovered to comfortably see off Moutet, earning a 6-3, 6-1 victory in Rome to set up a showdown with Alejandro Tabilo on Sunday.
As he walked off the court and down the tunnel following the game, Djokovic stopped to sign a fan’s hat.
As he was doing so, a video shared online showed a water bottle coming down from the stand beside him and hitting him in the head with some force.
Novak Djokovic was struck by a water bottle after defeating Corentin Moutet on Friday
The bottle is said to have fallen accidentally from a fan trying to get an autograph
The world No 1 will face number 29 seed Alejandro Tabilo in the third round on Sunday
The world No 1 was left curled on the floor for some time after being struck, before being led inside by officials as fans could be heard questioning where the missile had come from.
In response to the shocking clip one fan wrote on social media: ‘Wtf….. ban these guys asap if it was intentional. Looks like it fell unknowingly. Stay safe and strong Nole’
Another wrote: ‘I’m hoping this was just an accident and someone dropped their bottle because it got too crowded and people were pushing too much in that area, but… Can’t rule out some clueless person thinking it would be a good idea to throw something heavy at someone who’s not even looking.’
A report from X user @Olly_Tennis revealed that Djokovic had been treated at the tournament hospital with slight bleeding with the bottle said to have been dropped accidentally from a fan as they attempted to ask for an autograph.
Fans expressed their support for Djokovic in posts on social media following the incident
The incident comes after British star Dan Evans was involved in a blazing row with an umpire during his first-round clash in Rome.
Evans launched into a tirade against the official after disagreeing with the umpire’s call as he was defeated by home favourite Fabio Fognini.
