Djokovic felt different in practice, despite not being in pain.
“I was quite bad, have to do medical checkups,” Novak Djokovic clarifies if loss to Alejandro Tabilo had something to do with the bottle incident

Novak Djokovic was hit on the head (via IMAGO/X)

Novak Djokovic has had his most forgettable start to a season in decades, going almost six months without a title or even making it to a final. His luck recently went from bad to worse when a metal bottle fell on his head as he was signing autographs after his first match in Rome. This led to a concussion, calling for a hospital visit.

The Serb admitted that he was alright and even had a laugh at his own expense, arriving wearing a cycling helmet to sign autographs the next day. Despite this, a drop in form was visible in his match today as he went down in unimpressive fashion to Chilean Alejandro Tabilo, 2-6 3-6.

Naturally, post the match, Novak Djokovic was asked if the concussion and its consequences had anything to do with his loss, and he confirmed that he felt something was off despite not feeling any pain during practice.

I don't know, to be honest. I have to check that. Training was different. I was going for kind of an easy training yesterday. I didn't feel anything, but I also didn't feel the same.

Novak Djokovic at the press conference

He will be getting the unfortunate injury checked again to get a medical confirmation as to what is his exact condition.

Could be. I don't know. I have to do medical checkups.

Novak Djokovic added

This could provide answers to questions about how one metal bottle could have impacted his chances in Paris.

Novak Djokovic’s loss in Rome invites plethora of fan opinions

Alejandro Tabilo looked just as shocked by his victory over world number one Novak Djokovic as fans did. After an extended break, Djokovic was still the favorite to win his 7th title in Rome. These hopes were nipped in the bud by Tabilo, displaying a clinical performance to outlast one of the greatest of all time.
Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovic, Alejandro Tabilo (Images via Imago)
Netizens took to social media to engage in discussions about their idol’s loss, with no specific conclusion being made. Some suggested that the incident with the metal bottle may have cost Djokovic the match while others say that the Big Three era is over and Tabilo should be given credit where credit is due.


On the extreme side of things, some suggested that Djokovic has lost his motivation to compete since his rival, Rafael Nadal, seems to be on the last leg of his glittered career. The next few months will prove to be crucial in deciding the future of Nadal, Murray and even Djokovic.