World No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia returned to competition after one month out of action with an opening victory against France's Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-1 in the Italian Open second round on Friday.

An accident afterwards put the 24-time Grand Slam winner in the headlines for a different reason, as he was hit in the head by a bottle when signing autographs. He looked in pain, fell to his knees and remained crouched for a several seconds before medics reached him.

"Novak Djokovic on leaving the Central Court at the end of his match was hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs (for) spectators," the organizers said in a statement posted on social media. "He underwent appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel."

"Thank you for the messages of concern," Djokovic wrote on social media platform X. "This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday."