The Madrid Open has turned into an unexpected battlefield, not just between rackets but against a mysterious stomach ailment that appears to be sidelining several high‑profile competitors. Reports from the tournament indicate that a wave of gastrointestinal distress—whether caused by a virus or food poisoning—has been sweeping through the player camp, prompting withdrawals and forcing on‑court adjustments.
One of the most visible cases was American teenager Coco Gauff. After dispatching Sorana Cîrstea in the third round with a hard‑fought 4‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1 victory, Gauff’s performance was visibly hampered. During the second set she signaled for a physiotherapist, and moments later she was seen vomiting on the court. Medical staff quickly intervened, checking her blood pressure and providing basic care before she was allowed to continue.
Despite the setback, Gauff managed to rally and secure the win, only to fall in the round of 16 to Czech qualifier Linda Nosková in a tense third‑set tiebreak. Gauff’s ordeal is not isolated.
Several other stars have either withdrawn or retired from matches, citing similar symptoms. Former world No. 1 Iga Świątek, a six‑time Grand Slam champion, pulled out of her encounter with Ann Li on Saturday, describing herself as having "zero stability and zero energy." Her comment hinted at a severe loss of stamina, a hallmark of the gastrointestinal issue that appears to be circulating among the players.
Marin Čilić, the 2014 US Open champion, also succumbed to what he described as "food poisoning" after being scheduled to face João Fonseca on Friday. He announced his inability to compete, attributing his condition to something he ate, though he did not specify the exact source.
The pattern of symptoms—nausea, vomiting, weakness, and fluctuating blood pressure—has raised concerns among tournament officials and medical teams about a possible outbreak. A rumor that has been circulating in the players' lounge suggests that the culprit may be a particular dish: shrimp tacos. While the claim is largely anecdotal, many athletes have reported that they avoided the local street‑food stalls that serve these popular Mexican‑style tacos, fearing that the seafood could be the source of the infection.
The speculation has even made its way into post‑match interviews. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off a dramatic fourth‑round win over Naomi Osaka, addressed the situation with a mix of humor and caution.
After surviving a set and a break down to eventually triumph 6‑7(1‑7), 6‑3, 6‑2, Sabalenka explained that she has been sticking to a very plain diet—primarily chicken breast, rice, and salad—since the tournament began. She joked, "I heard I have to avoid those tacos (laughing)," and added that she is "knocking on wood" and hoping her simple meal plan keeps her clear of the illness that has plagued her peers.
Sabalenka’s strategy reflects a broader trend among players who are now scrutinizing every bite they take. The traditional pre‑match meals of pasta, bananas, and sports drinks have been replaced by more controlled, bland fare in an effort to reduce any risk of further gastrointestinal upset.
Nutritionists at the event are advising athletes to stay hydrated, consume easily digestible proteins, and steer clear of potentially risky foods such as raw seafood, spicy dishes, and anything that could be contaminated. The impact of the outbreak extends beyond individual matches. Tournament organizers have had to adjust the schedule, accommodate late withdrawals, and provide additional medical resources. The ATP and WTA have issued statements reminding players to observe strict hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, and being cautious about shared food containers.
Fans watching the event have also felt the ripple effects. With several marquee names out of contention, the draw has opened up, giving lower‑ranked players a chance to advance further than they might have otherwise.
This shift has created fresh storylines and unexpected matchups, adding a layer of intrigue to the competition. For those following the tournament from home, the coverage remains robust.
Sky Sports continues to broadcast live matches, and subscribers can stream the action via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, which promises over 50 percent more live sport this year at no extra charge. Viewers are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the best video experience. In summary, the Madrid Open is currently wrestling with a dual challenge: elite tennis on the court and a pervasive stomach virus—or perhaps food poisoning—off the court.
While the exact source remains unconfirmed, the prevailing theory points to shrimp tacos as a possible trigger. Players like Sabalenka are opting for a minimalist diet to sidestep the problem, while others, such as Gauff and Świątek, have already felt its effects. The situation underscores the importance of food safety and health monitoring at major sporting events, reminding everyone that even the most prepared athletes can be vulnerable to something as simple as a contaminated meal. As the tournament progresses, medical staff will continue to monitor the situation closely, and players will likely maintain their cautious eating habits in hopes of staying healthy and competitive.