Even the world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic, didn’t see that ‘bottle drop’ coming his way. Djokovic was signing autographs, when a metal bottle, accidentally hit him on his head. The Serb immediately clutched his head and fell to his knees, as a security guard soon shielded him.
Novak required immediate medical attention and was eventually helped off the court. This was after Djokovic finished his second-round match 6-3, 6-1, against France’s Corentin Moutet, at the Italian Open in Rome.
An enthusiastic fan, in an attempt to get Novak Djokovic’s autograph in his notebook, was leaning over the rail, but unfortunately, the bottle slipped out of his backpack and crashed onto the Serb’s head. The bottle appeared to be heavy, possibly stainless steel, as shown in the video below.
The tournament organisers released a statement, stating that there was no cause for concern over Novak Djokovic’s condition.
“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 for spectators. He underwent appropriate medication,” said a post on the social media.
The world’s number-one tennis player, also posted on his X account, updating the fans about his health, post the freak bottle accident.
Luckily, Novak Djokovic is fine, but it could have been much more, like a concussion or maybe a serious head injury. The fans expressed their happiness that the Serb would be competing in his Round 3 match on Sunday against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, and would not leave the tournament midway through.
Athletes who suffered the most bizarre off-field injuries
In the history of sports, there are dozens of athletes who have experienced unusual off-field injuries. Some suffered freak accidents while for others stupidity resulted in missed playing time.
- Basketball icon Michael Jordan lacerated his finger with a cigar cutter while vacationing in the Bahamas in 1999. The injury prevented him from holding the basketball, and even playing golf.
- WWE wrestler Randy Orton suffered a dislocated shoulder while taking out garbage from his house in 2015.
- MLB player Glennallen Hill missed several games due to cuts to his hands and body. The reason is that he fell out of bed and crashed into the glass while having a nightmare about being attacked by monster spiders.
- Baseball player Nolan Ryan in 1985 was bit by three coyotes, after sticking his hand in a dog enclosure.
- NBA player Lionel Simmons developed tendonitis due to long sessions on his Nintendo and even missed a few games.
- Professional soccer player David Seaman once injured his knee while reaching for a tennis remote.
Injuries are part and parcel of every sport. However, there are a few injuries that are uninvited guests. Novak Djokovic is indeed lucky to have escaped the bottle-drop successfully in Rome.
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