Shocking moment Novak Djokovic is hit in the head by a water bottle as he falls to the ground in agony and security intervenes

NOVAK DJOKOVIC collapsed to the ground after being hit in the head by a bottle at the Italian Open – requiring medical attention as security staff rushed to help him.

The Serbian legend collapsed holding his head as he signed autographs in Rome, after beating Corentin Moutet in the first round.

Djokovic, 36, had stopped for fans as he walked away when an aluminum-type container fell on him in what tournament organizers are calling a freak incident.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner fell to the ground in apparent pain, curling up into a ball and wrapping his arms around his head.

He was then helped by another man before being slowly taken away by a small group.

Worried fans leaned over the barriers, looking shocked and worried.

Organizers said doctors would examine the bump on his head.

And Djokovic didn’t do the usual post-match press conference.

The saga unfolded after he autographed a fan cap, then turned to the other side of the gate, where a child was leaning over with a notebook to sign.

A bottle then fell from a spectator’s backpack before hitting Djokovic.

Journalist José Morgado posted on shocking clip with the words: “Oh my god, Djokovic got hit by a bottle while leaving the court in Rome. I hope everything is okay!”

Earlier, Djokovic started his first match in almost a month a little below par.

He lost his first two service games before improving his performance to defeat French qualifier Moutet 6-3 6-1.

Before his painful moment near the tunnel, Djokovic said: “Corentin is a very talented player. He has great hands and very unpredictable.

“You don’t know what’s going to happen next. So I had to stay focused, which I did. So it’s a good opening match.”