However, the 36-year-old was then clearly struck on the top of the head by a bottle that initially appeared to have been thrown down from the stands. He immediately fell to the floor, his face covered by both of his arms an an official rushed to check on him.

After a period of about 45 minutes, Djokovic was helped back to his feet. But he continued to keep his head down and his face protected as security staff helped him to the backroom area.

The Associated Press have since reported that organisers claimed Djokovic was not hurt by a deliberate act, but an aluminium-type water bottle that had fell out of a child’s backpack. Sky in Italy rhave added the world No.1 was checked by medical staff in the locker room after the incident.

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