Novak Djokovic injury: Grand Slam winner suffers upset loss from bottle hit

Novak Djokovic exits Italian Open after head injury, experiencing dizziness and nausea. Concerns raised about French Open performance impact.

Novak Djokovic faced an unexpected defeat in the Round of 32 at the Italian Open, losing to Alejandro Tabilo with a score of 2-6, 3-6. This defeat came shortly after Djokovic was accidentally hit on the head by a water bottle, causing him to experience nausea and dizziness. The 24-time Grand Slam champion expressed concerns that the incident may be impacting his performance more than anticipated.

During a post-match press conference, Djokovic revealed the extent of his struggles, stating that he felt a lack of coordination and balance under high stress during the match. He emphasized the need for medical checkups to determine the impact of the head injury on his overall health.

The incident occurred after Djokovic's victory over Corentin Moutet, when a metal bottle fell on his head while he was signing autographs. Despite initially downplaying the severity of the injury, Djokovic later experienced symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches, indicating a more serious issue.

With the French Open approaching, Djokovic's injury raises concerns about his readiness for the upcoming tournament. The Italian Open also saw an early exit from Rafael Nadal, who lost to Hubert Hurkacz in the Round of 64. Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, has been plagued by injuries but is considering participating in Roland-Garros.

The unexpected turn of events at the Italian Open highlights the physical challenges that top tennis players face and the impact of injuries on their performance. Djokovic and Nadal's experiences serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the importance of prioritizing health and well-being in the pursuit of athletic excellence.