The Madrid Open has been plagued by an unexpected adversary this year: a mysterious stomach ailment that appears to be striking a number of high‑profile competitors. While the tournament usually showcases the finest tennis talent on clay, this season players have been forced to contend with symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to severe fatigue, prompting speculation that a shared dietary source may be to blame.
One of the most prominent cases involved American teenager Coco Gauff, who suffered noticeably during her third‑round match against Sorana Cirstea. After securing a hard‑fought 4‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1 victory, Gauff was seen calling for the team physiotherapist in the middle of the second set.
She later vomited on the court and required a quick check of her blood pressure by the on‑site medical staff. Despite the discomfort, Gauff managed to pull through and advance, only to be eliminated in the round of 16 by the Czech qualifier Linda Noskova in a tense third‑set tiebreak. Gauff’s ordeal is not an isolated incident. The tournament has seen a wave of withdrawals that includes world No.
1 Iga Swiatek, former champion Marin Cilic, and American star Madison Keys. Cilic, who was scheduled to face Brazil’s Joao Fonseca on Friday, announced that he could not compete because he was suffering from what he described as "food poisoning." Swiatek, a six‑time Grand Slam winner, retired from her match against Ann Li on Saturday, later explaining that she felt "zero stability and zero energy," a clear indication that the illness was sapping her physical reserves. Rumors among the players have quickly coalesced around a particular culinary suspect: shrimp tacos.
Several competitors have mentioned that the local street‑food stalls and some of the tournament’s catering options featured shrimp‑based dishes in the days leading up to the matches. While no official investigation has confirmed the link, the timing of the symptoms suggests a common source of contamination or an allergic reaction to improperly prepared seafood. In response to the outbreak, world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, who recently defeated Naomi Osaka in a dramatic fourth‑round encounter, has taken a cautious approach to her diet.
After her 6‑7 (1‑7), 6‑3, 6‑2 win over Osaka, Sabalenka told reporters that she has been sticking to a bland, predictable menu consisting of chicken breast, rice and salad. She joked that she was "knocking on wood" and hoped to avoid the dreaded tacos that many believe are spreading the illness. "I stick to the same food, same meal that I've been having since the very beginning of the tournament," she said with a laugh, emphasizing her desire to stay healthy while defending her title in Madrid.
The situation has highlighted the importance of food safety and medical vigilance at major sporting events. Tournament officials have reportedly increased inspections of vendor stalls and are working closely with local health authorities to identify any potential sources of contamination.
Players are being advised to stay hydrated, monitor their symptoms closely, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any signs of gastrointestinal distress. Beyond the immediate health concerns, the outbreak has had a noticeable impact on the competition itself.
With several top seeds withdrawing or playing at less than full capacity, the draw has opened up, giving lower‑ranked players a chance to make deeper runs than they might have otherwise. This has added an element of unpredictability to the tournament, as fans watch to see who can capitalize on the altered field. For spectators, the Madrid Open continues to offer a full slate of matches, with live coverage available through Sky Sports and the NOW streaming platform. The network has promoted its expanded sports package, which now provides over 50 percent more live events at no additional cost for Sky Sports subscribers.
Fans can also access highlights, player interviews, and on‑demand video content via the Sky Sports app, ensuring they stay up to date with every twist and turn of the tournament, even as the health scare unfolds. In summary, the Madrid Open this year has become a case study in how a seemingly minor food‑related issue can ripple through an entire sporting event, affecting athletes' performance, altering competition dynamics, and prompting swift action from organizers. While the exact cause of the stomach virus remains under investigation, the consensus among players points to the shrimp tacos served in the vicinity of the courts.
As the tournament progresses, medical teams remain on high alert, and players like Sabalenka continue to adopt conservative eating habits in hopes of sidestepping the illness. The resilience displayed by those who have pushed through the symptoms—most notably Gauff, who fought back from nausea to claim a hard‑earned victory—underscores the determination of these athletes to compete at the highest level, even when faced with an invisible, gut‑wrenching opponent.