‘That's criminally negligent’: Internet outraged as Novak Djokovic hit in head by fan's water bottle after Italian Open match

ROME, ITALY: Novak Djokovic needed medical attention after a fan threw a bottle, hitting him on the head while he was signing autographs following his victory at the Italian Open in Rome.

The top-ranked player, Djokovic, advanced to the third round with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Corentin Moutet of France.

What happened to Novak Djokovic? 

After his on-court chat, Djokovic proceeded to the area near the court entrance to sign autographs. While signing a ticket and a cap, a large metal bottle suddenly struck him on the head.

Djokovic fell to the ground and stayed there for about forty seconds before security guards intervened to escort him away.

According to video footage released by the tournament organizers, it appeared that a spectator dropped the bottle from his backpack while reaching down to give Djokovic a high five.

Following his match, the 36-year-old tennis star declined to speak with the media and received stitches for a cut on his head.

However, he later reassured on social media that he was "fine" and had no plans to withdraw from the event.

"Thank you for the messages of concern,” Djokovic wrote on X. “This was an accident and I am fine, resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday.” Djokovic is set to take on Alejandro Tabilo, the 29th seed, in the third round.

“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. He underwent appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel; his condition is not a cause for concern,” Italian Open management announced.

Djokovic's injury sparks an outpouring of reactions across the Internet

Several social media users opined on the incident with a YouTube user writing, "For everyone saying he's over reacting go watch the video again. It's a METAL water bottle about the length of your forearm. I have a similar bottle and when filled with water it's about 3.5 lbs." [sic]

"That doesn't look like much but hold it in your hands and you'll be surprise how heavy it is. You will not want that dropped 4-5 feet above onto your head. I don't care who you are you're going down for a minute or two," the user added. [sic]

A user said, "How carelessly someone drop a metal made water bottle. Get well soon Novak.Best wishes for this season." [sic]

Another user wrote, "Thats criminally negligent’. A user wrote, "Accidental? That was an intentional throw!" [sic]

A user said, "Strange situation. The metal thermos is not permited. I dont known why when entry, the scanner dont show." [sic]

While a user said, "That water bottle is metal and heavy. Seen them before."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.