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By Peter Bodo May 17, 2024

Rome, Italy

“Completely off” Novak Djokovic leaves Rome with further medical concerns after head injury

Djokovic revealed that he didn’t undergo “any scans or tests” after getting hit on the head by a falling water bottle at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, and lost his next match to Alejandro Tabilo.

ByDavid Kane

Published May 12, 2024

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ROME, Italy—Novak Djokovic revealed that he is yet to undergo “any scans or tests” since his bizarre head injury at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

Djokovic lost his first match since getting hit by a falling water bottle while signing autographs Friday night against No. 29 seed Alejandro Tabilo, 6-2, 6-3.

“Today under high stress, it was quite bad,” the world No. 1 said in his post-match press conference. “Not in terms of pain, but in terms of this balance. Just no coordination. Completely different player from what it was two nights ago.

“I don't know. I have to do medical checkups and see what's going on.”

A six-time champion at the Foro Italico, Djokovic assured fans that he was feeling ok after the injury left him crouched on the ground for several minutes after defeating Corentin Moutet in straight sets on Campo Centrale.

The way I felt on the court today was just completely like a different player entered into my shoes. Just no rhythm, no tempo, no balance whatsoever on any shot. It's a bit concerning. Novak Djokovic

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“It was unexpected obviously,” Djokovic recalled. “I wasn't even looking up. Then I felt a very strong hit in the head. That has, yeah, really impacted me a lot. After that I got the medical care. Been through half an hour, an hour of nausea, dizziness, blood, a lot of different things.

“I managed to sleep okay. I had headaches. The next day or yesterday was pretty fine, so I thought it's okay. Maybe it is okay. Maybe it's not.”

He returned to the tournament on Saturday trying to make light of the accident, donning a bicycle helmet atop his cap while signing autographs after his practice. Though Djokovic felt no apparent discomfort in practice, the 24-time Grand Slam champion described his state against Tabilo completely differently.

“I mean, the way I felt on the court today was just completely like a different player entered into my shoes. Just no rhythm, no tempo, no balance whatsoever on any shot. It's a bit concerning.”

Djokovic is next scheduled to compete at Roland Garros, where he is the defending champion.

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