The Madrid Open has been plagued by an unexpected adversary this week: a gastrointestinal illness that appears to be sweeping through the player field. While the tournament is usually a showcase of elite tennis talent, this year it has become a test of endurance and health as several high‑profile competitors have been forced to withdraw or struggle with severe symptoms. One of the most notable cases involved Coco Gauff, who suffered visibly during her third‑round match against Sorana Cîrstea. After securing a hard‑fought 4‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1 victory, Gauff signaled to the medical team for assistance in the second set.
She later vomited on court and required a blood‑pressure check by the on‑site doctor, an incident that underscored how seriously the illness was affecting players’ physical condition. Despite the setback, Gauff managed to pull through and advance, only to be eliminated in the round of 16 by Linda Nosková in a tense third‑set tiebreaker.
The situation has raised alarm bells among tournament officials and participants alike, as the same virus or food‑borne contamination appears to have sidelined several other stars. Six‑time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek withdrew after describing her state as "zero stability and zero energy" following a match against Ann Li, while veteran Marin Čilić was forced to concede his scheduled bout against João Fonseca, attributing his absence to "food poisoning." Madison Keys also pulled out, adding to the growing list of athletes unable to compete. Rumors circulating in the players' lounge point to a common dietary culprit: shrimp tacos. Though the exact source of the outbreak has not been officially confirmed, many competitors have blamed the popular local dish for triggering the symptoms.
In response, world number one Aryna Sabalenka took a cautious approach after her fourth‑round win over Naomi Osaka. Sabalenka explained that she has adopted a minimalist diet consisting solely of chicken breast, rice, and salad, hoping to avoid any further exposure to the suspected contaminant. "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, adding that she had heard she should stay away from the tacos. Sabalenka's match against Osaka was a dramatic comeback.
After dropping the first set 6‑7 (1‑7) and finding herself a break down, she rallied to claim the next two sets 6‑3, 6‑2, securing her place in the semifinals and keeping her title defense hopes alive. Her cautious eating plan seemed to pay off, as she reported feeling fine and even "knocked on wood" for good luck. The broader impact of the illness extends beyond individual players.
Tournament organizers have been forced to adjust schedules, provide additional medical support, and issue health advisories to all participants. The situation also serves as a reminder of how quickly food‑related illnesses can spread in a high‑traffic environment like a major sporting event, where athletes, staff, and spectators share common dining facilities. From a medical perspective, gastrointestinal viruses can cause a range of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, all of which can severely impair an athlete's performance. Even mild dehydration can reduce endurance, reaction time, and overall stamina—critical factors in a sport that demands rapid bursts of speed and sustained concentration.
For elite tennis players, whose bodies are finely tuned for peak performance, any disruption to their nutritional intake or hydration status can be disastrous. In light of the outbreak, several players have publicly shared their preventive measures. Besides Sabalenka's simple chicken‑rice‑salad regimen, other competitors have opted for bland, easily digestible foods and have avoided raw seafood, spicy dishes, and street‑food vendors known for higher contamination risk. Some have also increased their fluid intake, focusing on electrolyte‑rich drinks to counteract potential dehydration.
The incident also highlights the importance of rigorous food safety protocols at large events. Organizers are now reviewing vendor hygiene practices, kitchen sanitation, and supply chain traceability to pinpoint the source of the contamination. While no definitive link to shrimp tacos has been established, the suspicion has prompted a temporary suspension of certain menu items and a thorough inspection of all food preparation areas. Fans watching from home have been kept informed through live updates on Sky Sports, which continues to stream ATP and WTA matches.
The network has also promoted its NOW streaming service and the Sky Sports app, offering subscribers access to a broader array of live sports content. Despite the health concerns, the tournament remains a major attraction, with many matches still delivering high‑quality tennis and dramatic storylines. In summary, the Madrid Open this year has become a battle not only on the court but also against an elusive stomach virus that has forced top players like Iga Świątek, Marin Čilić, Madison Keys, and Coco Gauff to confront unexpected health challenges.
While the exact cause remains under investigation, the prevailing theory points to contaminated shrimp tacos, prompting athletes such as Aryna Sabalenka to adopt ultra‑simple diets in an effort to stay healthy. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about food safety in large sporting events and underscores the resilience of players who must adapt quickly to both physical and competitive pressures.