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.
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."
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.
"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.