BELGRADE — The tennis world was rocked on Friday as Serbian star Dušan Lajovic was rushed to a local hospital following a serious incident in the locker room after his Davis Cup qualifying match. The 36-year-old veteran, a key member of Serbia's team for over a decade, reportedly suffered a significant fall, leading to concerns of a head injury and immediate medical evacuation from the arena.
The incident occurred shortly after Lajovic’s hard-fought, three-set victory over Chile's Cristian Garín, a crucial win that helped Serbia secure a 3-2 overall victory and a spot in the 2026 Davis Cup Finals group stage. According to team officials, Lajovic was in the players' area when he slipped on a wet surface, striking his head against a locker or bench. The Serbian Tennis Federation released a brief statement confirming the hospitalization for "precautionary observation and necessary tests following a post-match accident."
The Match and the Immediate Aftermath
Lajovic’s performance on court had been a testament to his enduring skill and fighting spirit. Facing a formidable opponent in Garín, he battled for over three hours to secure a 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 victory, leveling the tie at 2-2 and setting the stage for teammate Miomir Kecmanović to clinch the decisive rubber. The emotional and physical exertion of the match was evident, with Lajovic collapsing to the clay in celebration at the final point.
Witnesses from within the Serbian camp described a concerning scene in the locker room approximately 30 minutes after the match concluded. Team captain Viktor Troicki was among the first to respond. "We heard a loud noise, and when we went to check, Dusan was on the floor," Troicki told reporters outside the hospital. "He was conscious but disoriented. The medical team was with him instantly, and the decision to take him to the hospital was made without hesitation. Our primary concern is his health."
Tournament doctors and on-site paramedics stabilized Lajovic before he was transported by ambulance to the University Clinical Centre of Serbia. Early reports suggest the focus of the medical evaluation is on ruling out a concussion and any potential spinal or neck injuries from the impact. The Serbian Federation stated that Lajovic was "responsive and in stable condition" during the transfer.
A Career of Resilience Faces a New Challenge
The incident casts a shadow over what should have been a triumphant weekend for Serbian tennis. At 36, Lajovic remains a respected figure on tour, known for his elegant one-handed backhand and clay-court prowess. A former world No. 23 and champion at the 2019 Croatia Open Umag, his career has been defined by consistency and dedication, particularly in representing his country. His Davis Cup record is a point of national pride, and his victory over Garín was a classic display of his veteran grit.
The potential severity of a head injury raises immediate questions about his participation in the upcoming clay-court season, a surface where he has historically excelled. The ATP Tour is currently in its South American clay swing, with major events in Rio de Janeiro and Santiago on the horizon. Furthermore, this injury presents a significant logistical and emotional challenge for the Serbian Davis Cup team as they look ahead to the Finals group stage later this year.
The tennis community reacted swiftly with an outpouring of support on social media. Novak Djokovic, who was not playing in this tie but has been a longtime teammate of Lajovic's, posted on Instagram: "Praying for you, Lajčo. Be strong. All of Serbia is with you." Messages of concern and well-wishes also poured in from rivals and colleagues across the tour, highlighting Lajovic's popularity among his peers.
Safety Protocols and Unanswered Questions
The unexpected nature of the accident has prompted discussions about athlete safety in all areas of competition venues, not just on the court. While Grand Slams and major ATP events have stringent protocols, Davis Cup ties, often held in national federation facilities with varying standards, can present inconsistent environments. Key questions being raised include:
- The specific cause of the wet surface in the locker room.
- The response time and adequacy of the on-site medical personnel.
- The general safety audits of player areas at Davis Cup host venues.
An ITF spokesperson stated, "The International Tennis Federation is aware of the incident involving Dušan Lajovic and is in direct contact with the Serbian Tennis Federation. The health and safety of all players is our utmost priority, and we will work with all parties to understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event." It is likely the ITF will review the incident report from the Serbian hosts.
The Chilean team, despite the competitive disappointment of losing the tie, expressed profound concern for their opponent's wellbeing. Team captain Nicolás Massú stated, "Tennis is a sport, but health is life. We are all thinking of Dusan and wishing him a full and speedy recovery. This is bigger than any match."
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Implications
As of Saturday morning, Lajovic remains under observation. The Serbian Tennis Federation promised to provide updates on his condition as more information becomes available from the hospital's neurological team. The immediate competitive future for "Lajčo" is uncertain, with his participation in any tournaments in the coming weeks highly doubtful. The focus is entirely on a complete medical recovery.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragile line athletes walk. In a sport where attention is laser-focused on on-court performance—strains, tears, and fatigue—a sudden accident in a presumed safe space like a locker room can alter careers in an instant. For Lajovic, a player who has navigated the peaks and valleys of professional tennis with quiet determination, this represents perhaps his most unpredictable challenge yet.
The Davis Cup, a competition built on national passion and raw emotion, now has a sobering subplot. Serbia’s qualification, earned through collective effort, is bittersweet. The tennis world now waits, hopes, and sends its strongest support to Dušan Lajovic, a champion on the court who now faces a far more important battle off it. His journey back to health will be watched with the same respect he has commanded throughout his illustrious career.