ROME, Italy—Novak Djokovic’s straightforward evening at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia ended in bizarre and worrying fashion when the world No. 1 was struck by a falling water bottle while attempting to exit Campo Centrale following his opening-round victory.
Djokovic was signing autographs after defeating Corentin Moutet, 6-3, 6-1, when the bottle appeared to fall from the stands and strike the top seed in the head, causing him to recoil to the ground in pain.
A statement from the tournament confirmed that the incident was an accident.
"Novak Djokovic, on leaving the Central court at the end of his match, was hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs to spectators," the statement reads. "He underwent appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel; his condition is not a cause for concern."