- Novak Djokovic signs autographs for helmeted fans at the Italian Open
- The world number one was hit by a bottle while signing at the Foro Italico on Friday
- Fans were impressed by how he decided to handle the situation on Saturday.
Novak Djokovic was pictured wearing a helmet while signing autographs at the Italian Open as he did not risk his safety following an incident on Friday.
The world number one comfortably beat Frenchman Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-1 on Friday as he began his campaign to win the competition for the seventh time.
While leaving Center Court, Djokovic was signing items for spectators when a water bottle fell from the stands and hit him in the head.
The Serb was left curled up on the ground in some distress after the incident, with reports indicating that he suffered minor bleeding but was able to continue in the tournament.
Despite initial fears surrounding the incident, Djokovic clearly saw the fun side as he returned to the Foro Italico for a training session on Saturday with a new approach to safety.
Novak Djokovic donned a cycling helmet while signing autographs for fans at the Italian Open
The world number one was hit by a water bottle after defeating Corentin Moutet on Friday night.
The 36-year-old donned a cycling helmet and signed autographs for fans, delighting the fans in attendance.
One fan wrote on social media: “Lmaooo some people may not like it but there’s no denying it’s hilarious.”
Another added: ‘You’re so funny Novak!!!! Happy to see you smiling and in good spirits.
Another fan wrote: “After the incident I said to myself, ‘It would be great PR news if he comes wearing a helmet tomorrow.'” He can be really adorable sometimes.
A fourth fan agreed: “I love the way he approaches situations with a sense of humor.” How can you not love this man?
Social media users initially questioned whether the missile had been intentionally launched at Djokovic on Friday, and the initial clip circulating online made it impossible to see where it had come from.
However, a second angle of the incident shows a water bottle falling from a fan’s backpack as he bends down to have the Serbian star sign his autograph, before it hits Djokovic on the top of his head.
The person whose backpack falls out appears surprised in the clip, immediately stands up and moves away from the edge of the tunnel to avoid any further mishaps.
Fans on social media praised Djokovic for handling the situation with humor.
The tennis icon is then attended to by a member of staff who was standing behind him, and tournament management later issued a statement stressing that the incident was indeed an accident and that Djokovic was recovering well.
“Novak Djokovic, when leaving Center Court at the end of his match, was accidentally hit on the head with a water bottle while signing autographs for spectators,” reads a statement from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
‘He received the corresponding medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel; his condition is no cause for concern.’
Djokovic himself later took to social media to thank his supporters and stress that he would continue competing in the tournament.
“Thank you for the messages of concern,” he wrote. ‘This was an accident and I’m fine resting in the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday.