Novak Djokovic falls to the floor and requires medical treatment after being struck in the head by a bottle dropped by a fan in the crowd after signing autographs at the Italian Open in Rome

Novak Djokovic required medical treatment after being hit by a bottle while signing autographs for supporters at the Italian Open.

In his first match since crashing out of the Monte-Carlo Masters at the semi-stage last month, Djokovic took on Frenchman Corentin Moutet on centre court.

After facing some early adversity in a slow start, the 36-year-old recovered to comfortably see off Moutet, earning a 6-3, 6-1 victory in Rome to set up a showdown with Alejandro Tabilo on Sunday.

As he walked off the court and down the tunnel following the game, Djokovic stopped to sign a fan's hat.

As he was doing so, a video shared online showed a water bottle coming down from the stand beside him and hitting him in the head with some force.

Novak Djokovic was struck by a water bottle after defeating Corentin Moutet at the Italian Open on Friday 

The bottle is said to have accidentally fallen from the bag of a fan trying to get an autograph

The world No 1 is set to face No 29 seed Alejandro Tabilo in the third round on Sunday

The world No 1 was left curled on the floor for some time after being struck, before being led inside by officials as fans could be heard questioning where the missile had come from.

However a second angle of the incident shows a water bottle falling out of a fan's backpack as they lean over for the Serbian star to sign his autograph, before it hits Djokovic on the top of his head. 

The person whose rucksack it falls from appears shocked in the clip, immediately standing upright and moving away from the edge of the tunnel to prevent further mishap. 

The tennis icon is then attended to by a member of staff who had been stood close behind him, and the tournament management later released statement underlining that the incident was indeed an accident and that Djokovic was recuperating well. 

'Novak Djokovic on leaving the Central court at the end of his match was accidentally hit on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs to spectators,' the statement from Internazionali BNL d'Italia read.

'He underwent appropriate medication and has already left the Foro Italico to return to his hotel; his condition is not a cause for concern.' 

Djokovic himself later took to social media to thank well-wishers, and underline that he would still be competing in the tournament. 

'Thank you for the messages of concern,' he wrote. 'This was an accident and I am fine resting at the hotel with an ice pack. See you all on Sunday.'

In response to the shocking clip one fan wrote on social media: 'Wtf….. ban these guys asap if it was intentional. Looks like it fell unknowingly. Stay safe and strong Nole'

Another wrote: 'I’m hoping this was just an accident and someone dropped their bottle because it got too crowded and people were pushing too much in that area, but… 

Another angle showed the bottle falling out of a fan's rucksack and hitting Djokovic seemingly by accident

Fans expressed their support for Djokovic in posts on social media following the incident

'Can’t rule out some clueless person thinking it would be a good idea to throw something heavy at someone who’s not even looking.'

While Djokovic would go on to win the match, he initially went 3-1 down in the first set after Moutet secured two breaks and a hold inside the first four games, although he would prove unable to hold onto the advantage.  

The incident comes after British star Dan Evans was involved in a blazing row with an umpire during his first-round clash in Rome.

Evans launched into a tirade against the official after disagreeing with the umpire's call as he was defeated by home favourite Fabio Fognini.