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Novak Djokovic received medical attention after being hit on the head with a bottle while trying to sign autographs after his first win at the Italian Open in Rome.
Djokovic, the top seed, reached the third round after a 6-3, 6-1 win over Corentin Moute of France. After finishing his on-court interview, Djokovic approached the fans at the court entrance and began signing memorabilia. After Djokovic signed a hat and ticket, a large metal bottle fell at speed on Djokovic’s head. The Serbian fell to the ground, where he remained for about 40 seconds before being taken away by security.
In video footage provided by tournament organizers, the bottle appeared to fall from a fan’s backpack as he reached for Djokovic, who high-fived him. The 36-year-old received stitches for a cut on his head and did not speak to the press after his match, but later posted on social media that he was “fine” and would not be pulling out of the event.
“Thank you for your messages of concern,” Djokovic wrote to X. “It was an accident and I’m fine, resting in the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday.” Djokovic is then set to face Alejandro Tabillo, the 29th seed, in the third round.
“On his way out of the center court at the end of the match, Novak Djokovic was hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs for the spectators. He underwent suitable treatment and already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel; his condition is not a cause for concern,” the Italian Open management announced.
Katie Boulter was defeated 6-4, 7-6 (8) by Rebecca Sramkova in the second round. After a strong start from the Slovakian qualifier, Boulter fought hard until the end and generated a set point in the second set, which was thwarted by an excellent drop shot by Sramkova.
In the end, Boulter was outplayed by a more experienced and inventive clay player, who took the Briton off the court with a topspin forehand and was more consistent in the crucial moments. Boulter, the 26th seed, received a first-round bye in just her second appearance on the WTA main draw and the eighth red clay tournament of her career.
Dominic Thiemthe 2020 US Open champion, will retire at the end of the 2024 season at the age of 31 after struggling to rediscover his old form following a career-altering wrist injury.
“I have a very important, very sad, but also very beautiful message to tell you,” Thiem said. “The 2024 season will be my last. I will end my career at the end of this season. There are some reasons behind this. First, of course, my wrist isn’t exactly what it should be, and it’s not exactly how I want it to be. And the second reason is my gut feeling. I thought about this decision for a very long time. I thought about it very carefully.”
Thiem, who rose to a career-high ranking of No. 3, won his only Grand Slam title at US Open in 2020, a tournament played behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions, defeating Alexander Zverev in five sets. Thiem’s pursuit of a Grand Slam title has been long and arduous, with the Austrian reaching two French Open finals, one Australian Open final and winning his only Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells in 2019 before his biggest triumph.
At the height of his powers between 2018 and 2020, Thiem also provided significant resistance to the dominance of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, registering at least four wins against each of them.
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During his rise to world No. 3, Thiem developed his own brand of heavy, devastating ball-striking, powered by one of the best one-handed backhands of the 21st century. He was also known as an extremely hard worker who played a tough schedule for much of his career. As he grew and matured as a player, Thiem became more and more complete, and by the end of 2020, he seemed to have put himself in a good position to compete for multiple major titles.
Instead, things fell apart. Thiem’s considerable efforts to reach the top of his game began to show after the US Open victory, as he initially struggled with fatigue. Then, as he regained his motivation, he suffered a serious injury to his right wrist in June 2021.
He returned in March 2022, but his forehand was significantly affected by the injury and he was unable to rediscover his old form. Ranked No. 103, Thiem’s highest ranking since his wrist injury was No. 72 late last year.
Meanwhile, Andy Murray decided to delay his return from an ankle injury by a week, with the 36-year-old due to compete at an ATP Challenger event in Bordeaux next week.
Murray has been confirmed to compete at the ATP 250 in Geneva, which starts on May 19, the week before the French Open. Murray will then plan to compete at Roland Garros, where he will also play doubles alongside Dan Evans. Murray will begin what is expected to be his final grass court season at the Stuttgart Open on June 10.
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