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Novak Djokovic returns to Rome practice with helmet after injury signing autographs

The top seed made light of the accident that saw him hit by a falling water bottle after his opening-round victory at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

ByDavid Kane

Published May 11, 2024

OH NO! Water bottle falls from fan's backpack and strikes Novak Djokovic in Rome player tunnel

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ROME, Italy—Novak Djokovic put safety first in his return to practice at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, busting out a helmet for what has proven to be the most precarious part of being on court: signing autographs.

After incurring a shock injury from a falling water bottle while meeting fans following his opening-round victory over Corentin Moutet, the world No. 1 made light of the accident on Saturday morning, happy interacting with fans with a bike helmet strapped on top of his cap.

Djokovic later shared video of the helmet on his social media with the caption: "Today I came prepared."

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Things looked much dicier late on Friday evening when Djokovic was led off Campo Centrale to seek medical attention when the bottle was seen falling out of a fan’s backpack and hitting him on the head.

Though his press conference was canceled, the tournament released a statement that he incurred no serious injuries and the 24-time Grand Slam champion took to his own social media to assure fans he was ok.

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"Thank you for the messages of concern," Djokovic posted on Twitter/X last night. "This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday. #IBI24"

Djokovic appears prepared for his next match, a scheduled third-round encounter with No. 29 seed Alejandro Tabilo. No word on whether Djokovic will bring the helmet to court on Sunday.