Updated at 18.10
AFTER OVERCOMING WHAT he described as poor courts at the Internazionali d’Italia, Novak Djokovic’s greatest threat on Sunday was a champagne cork.
After defeating Roger Federer 6-4 6-3 in the Rome final to seal his 24th Masters-level title, Djokovic was busy occupying himself opening up a bottle of Moet.
However, as he quickly discovered, it is just as important to keep your eye on the cork as it is your eye on the ball – with Djokovic hit in the face just above his eye as the pressure was released.
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“I am very, very fortunate to still have my eye,” the world number one said.
“We had an argument with Mr Champagne and he certainly threw a punch I will not forget.
He must know I don’t like drinking champagne, so he decided to strike me. Luckily it was only my nose.”
Fortunately for Djokovic it was another near miss, having slammed tournament organisers earlier in the week in Italy for the surface quality – labelling the courts not up to standard for a professional event.
