The Madrid Open has been plagued by an unexpected adversary this year – a gastrointestinal bug that appears to be sweeping through the player field, forcing several high‑profile competitors to withdraw or battle through severe symptoms. While the exact cause remains uncertain, many participants have pointed to a suspect: a batch of shrimp tacos that may have contaminated the tournament's dining options.
One of the most visible cases was that of American rising star Coco Gauff. After a hard‑fought victory over Sorana Cirstea in the third round – a match that ended 4‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1 – Gauff was visibly shaken. During the second set she signaled for the on‑court physiotherapist, and moments later she was seen vomiting on the baseline. Medical staff rushed to her side, checking her blood pressure and providing immediate care.
Despite the ordeal, Gauff managed to pull through and win the match, but the incident highlighted how the illness was affecting even the tournament's most resilient athletes. The problem escalated in the following days. On Monday, Gauff's own campaign was halted when she fell to Czech qualifier Linda Noskova in a tightly contested third‑set tiebreaker. While the loss was officially recorded as a competitive defeat, observers noted that Gauff's performance appeared hampered by lingering stomach distress, suggesting the virus was still taking its toll.
Other top‑ranked players have also been forced to abandon their draws. Six‑time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek withdrew after a match against Ann Li, describing her condition as "zero stability and zero energy." Swiatek's statement underscored the debilitating nature of the bug, which seems to sap both physical stamina and mental focus – two essentials for elite tennis. Marin Cilic, the former US Open champion, was another high‑profile casualty.
He pulled out of his scheduled encounter with Brazil's Joao Fonseca on Friday, citing food poisoning as the reason. Cilic's comment, "unfortunately, I got food poisoning," added weight to the growing speculation that a specific menu item might be at the heart of the outbreak. Rumors among the players have coalesced around a particular dish: shrimp tacos. While the tournament's catering staff have not confirmed any contamination, the coincidence of multiple athletes falling ill after dining in the same area has fueled the narrative.
Some players have taken a proactive stance, altering their diets in hopes of avoiding further infection. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, fresh from a dramatic fourth‑round win over Naomi Osaka, openly discussed her dietary adjustments. Sabalenka explained that she has been adhering to a very plain regimen consisting of chicken breast, rice, and salad, deliberately steering clear of any potentially risky foods.
"I stick to the same food, same meal that I've been having since the very beginning of the tournament," she said, adding a light‑hearted laugh about the shrimp tacos. Her strategy appears to be paying off; after trailing a set and a break against Osaka, Sabalenka rallied to claim the match 6‑7 (1‑7), 6‑3, 6‑2, keeping her title defence hopes alive. The situation has prompted tournament officials to increase medical monitoring and to advise players to be vigilant about what they eat. In addition to the on‑court physiotherapists, doctors are conducting regular health checks, including blood pressure measurements and hydration assessments, to catch any early signs of the illness.
Beyond the immediate health concerns, the outbreak has had a ripple effect on the tournament's schedule and broadcast plans. Several matches have been postponed or rescheduled to accommodate players' recovery times, and broadcasters have had to adjust their programming.
Sky Sports, a major partner of the event, has emphasized that fans can still enjoy live coverage through its streaming platforms, including the NOW service and the Sky Sports app, which now feature expanded live sport content. The Madrid Open, traditionally known for its high‑altitude clay courts and vibrant atmosphere, is now grappling with a different kind of challenge – protecting the well‑being of its athletes while maintaining the integrity of competition.
Organizers are working closely with health authorities to identify the source of the outbreak, enforce stricter food safety protocols, and provide additional medical resources on site. For players like Gauff, Swiatek, Cilic, and Sabalenka, the experience serves as a reminder of how quickly external factors can influence performance. While training, technique, and mental toughness remain central to success, the importance of nutrition and health management has never been more evident.
As the tournament progresses, the tennis community watches closely to see whether the virus will subside or continue to disrupt play. In the meantime, athletes are encouraged to stay hydrated, stick to simple, well‑cooked meals, and seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms. The hope is that with heightened vigilance and improved food handling, the remainder of the Madrid Open can proceed without further health setbacks, allowing the sport's finest competitors to showcase their skills on the red clay without the shadow of a stomach bug looming over them.