After a month off, Novak Djokovic optimistically began the 2024 Italian Open as the No. 1 seed. Following a bye in the first round and a slow start in the second, he ultimately won 6-3, 6-1 (his 1,099 tour victory) and left the court to sign autographs. In a horrifying scene reminiscent of Monica Seles’ stabbing in 1993, Djokovic was hit in the head with a fan’s water bottle. He grabbed his head and fell to the floor in pain.
When the news broke, many wondered if it was intentional. While distressing, a video clearly showed the water bottle accidentally falling from a fan’s backpack before hitting Novak Djokovic in the head. Initial medical tests indicated no cause for concern.
Djokovic: A Tennis Icon
At 36, Novak Djokovic is the oldest No. 1 player in tennis. He holds numerous records, including the most Grand Slams won with 24 victories. He is also the only male player since Rod Laver to win a true Grand Slam (winning all four Grand Slams in the same calendar year).
A consummate professional, Djokovic is known for his demanding work ethic, adapting his game as necessary, and is considered by many the greatest player ever. His playing style is magical, with dazzling footwork, intense concentration, and uncanny shot-making.
Novak Djokovic is either a fan favorite or anything but. He is all business during his matches and can sometimes be a poor loser. That said, he does have a fantastic sense of humor, as evidenced by his wearing a helmet when he returned to the Italian Open.
As noted, early medical tests and Novak Djokovic indicated it was a minor hit. He said he felt “fine” afterward and later tweeted, “Thank you for the messages of concern. This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday.”
Is Djokovic Okay?
However, everything was not fine on Sunday. In an alarming turn of events, he quickly lost his third-round match 6-2, 6-3 to Canadian Alejandro Tabilo, currently ranked No. 32. A victory against Tabilo would have given him his 1,100 tour victory.
Novak Djokovic plans to have additional testing. He described his play as “completely like a different player entered into my shoes. Just no rhythm, no tempo, no balance whatsoever on any shot.” He also described it as “concerning.” The more he said, the more unnerving the situation appeared.
“I have to check that,” said Djokovic. “Training was different. I was going for kind of easy training yesterday. I didn’t feel anything, but I also didn’t feel the same. Today under high stress, it was quite bad – not in terms of pain, but in terms of this balance. Just no coordination. Completely different player from what it was two nights ago. Could be. I don’t know. I have to do medical checkups and see what’s going on.”
Djokovic is Always a Strong Favorite
Despite not being the defending champion, he entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed and a strong favorite. After Rafael Nadal’s shocking loss in the second round, his odds improved. The defending champion, Daniil Medvedev, remains in the tournament. However, head to head, Djokovic leads 10-5.
His place in tennis history is well-established. To date, he has won 98 tour titles. He is currently third in all-time career matches won, following Roger Federer with 1,251 wins and, surprisingly, Jimmy Connors with 1,274 wins. However, his Grand Slam wins and longevity have securely established him as one of, if not the, best player ever.
As such, let us hope he returns to the tour quickly and healthy. Djokovic is far too integral to the game and has too much left to offer.
About the Author
Julie McBurney is a professional editor. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, reading, writing, sports, and current events, and wasting it on silly celebrities. Check us out @totalapexeandg on X and all Total Apex Entertainment offers. Check out our other sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Fantasy Sports. If you’re also interested in gaming, check out Total Apex Gaming.
