The Madrid Open has been plagued by an unexpected adversary this week: a stomach‑related illness that appears to be sweeping through the player field. Several high‑profile competitors have reported symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to severe fatigue, prompting withdrawals and on‑court medical interventions. The source of the malaise remains unconfirmed, but a popular rumor circulating among the athletes points to a recent bout of shrimp tacos as the possible trigger.
One of the most visible cases was Coco Gauff, who endured a rough encounter in the round of 16. After dispatching Sorana Cirstea in a three‑set battle (4‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1), Gauff was forced to summon the tournament physio during the second set. She subsequently vomited on the court and later had her blood pressure monitored by a team doctor. Although she managed to secure the win, the episode underscored how the illness was affecting even the tournament's rising stars.
The problem has not been limited to Gauff. Iga Swiatek, a six‑time Grand Slam champion, was forced to retire from her match against Ann Li on Saturday, describing her condition as leaving her with "zero stability and zero energy." Marin Cilic also withdrew before his scheduled match with Joao Fonseca on Friday, attributing his absence to "food poisoning." Madison Keys is another name that has been listed among those who pulled out, further illustrating the breadth of the issue. Speculation among players suggests that a recent serving of shrimp tacos might be to blame. While the tournament's medical staff has not confirmed any specific foodborne outbreak, the coincidence of multiple athletes falling ill after consuming similar dishes has fueled the gossip.
In response, several competitors have adopted ultra‑conservative eating plans to avoid further complications. World No.
1 Aryna Sabalenka, who advanced to the fourth round after defeating Naomi Osaka, openly discussed her dietary strategy. She said she is sticking to a bland regimen of chicken breast, rice, and salad, hoping this simple menu will keep the mysterious bug at bay. "I heard I have to avoid those tacos," Sabalenka laughed after her victory, adding that she has been eating the same meals since the start of the event.
Her approach seemed to pay off; after trailing a set and a break behind Osaka, Sabalenka rallied to win 6‑7 (1‑7), 6‑3, 6‑2, keeping her title defence hopes alive. The situation has prompted tournament officials to increase health monitoring and advise players to stay hydrated and maintain a cautious diet. Medical teams are conducting blood tests and monitoring vital signs for those who report symptoms, while also reviewing food safety protocols at the venue's catering facilities. Organizers have emphasized that the health of the athletes is their top priority and that they are working closely with local health authorities to identify any potential source of contamination.
Beyond the immediate health concerns, the illness has had a noticeable impact on the competition's narrative. With several top seeds out or struggling, the draw has opened up, giving lower‑ranked players a chance to make deeper runs.
Fans have expressed both worry for the players' wellbeing and curiosity about how the tournament will unfold under these unusual circumstances. For viewers, the Madrid Open continues to be broadcast across multiple platforms.
Sky Sports offers live coverage of both ATP and WTA matches, and subscribers can also stream the action via the NOW service and the Sky Sports app, which promises over 50 percent more live sport this year at no additional cost. The network encourages fans to use Chrome for the best video experience and provides regular updates on scores, results, and upcoming fixtures. In summary, the Madrid Open is currently wrestling with a stomach virus—or possibly a food‑borne illness—that has sidelined several marquee names. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the prevailing theory among players points to a problematic batch of shrimp tacos.
Athletes like Sabalenka are taking precautionary measures by simplifying their diets, and the tournament's medical staff is vigilant in monitoring the situation. As the event progresses, fans can look forward to compelling matches, unexpected breakthroughs, and the ongoing drama of a tournament fighting an invisible foe.