“How can we explain this bad match on your part (6-2, 6-3 defeat against Alejandro Tabilo in the 3rd round of the Masters 1000 in Rome)?
First of all, congratulations to my opponent. This is the first time I’ve faced him. He is a high quality player, with a complete game. I didn’t manage to find good sensations on the court, on my shots. I was completely off base.
Is this linked to the water bottle incident on Friday evening?
I don’t know, to be honest. I have to check this. It’s possible. I do not know. I have to have medical tests to see what’s going on. Saturday’s practice was different. I trained more leisurely. I didn’t feel anything special, but I didn’t feel the same either… Today, under significant stress, it was quite complicated, not in terms of pain, but in terms of ‘balance. There was no coordination. I was a completely different player than I was two days ago.
Can you tell us more about what happened in the hallway when you received the water bottle?
We saw it on the video, very clearly, it was an unfortunate and unlucky situation for me. It was an accident, the guy leaned over the fence, the bottle fell out of his backpack and landed directly on my head. This was obviously unexpected. I didn’t even look up. I felt a very strong blow to the head. It affected me a lot.
“For half an hour, an hour, I had nausea, dizziness, blood”
Novak Djokovic, on the water bottle incident
Then I received medical treatment. For half an hour, an hour, I had nausea, dizziness, blood, lots of different things. I managed to sleep. I had headaches. The next day everything was fine, so I figured it was okay. Maybe it’s okay. Maybe not. What I felt on the pitch today was like another player had stepped into my shoes. No rhythm, no tempo, no balance on any shot. It’s a bit worrying.
What is your state of mind before Roland-Garros?
As always (smile).
In your opinion, what things need to change before Roland-Garros and the Olympic Games?
Well, everything. Everything needs to be improved so that I at least have a chance of winning.
Given the difference between training and how you performed on court, do you think there is a risk that what happened to you could affect your chances of competing at Roland Garros?
As I told you, I haven’t done any scans or tests. Right now, I’m thinking I should do some, so… I’ll do it and we’ll see. Let’s see what happens. »