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.”
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Become a MemberFortunately 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.
