The Madrid Open has been hit by an unexpected adversary that is proving as troublesome as any top‑seed opponent: a gastrointestinal illness that appears to be sweeping through the player field. Over the past few days, a growing number of high‑profile competitors have reported symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to severe fatigue, forcing withdrawals and hampering performances on the clay courts of Spain. One of the most talked‑about cases involved teenage sensation Coco Gauff.
After dispatching Sorana Cirstea in the third round with a hard‑fought 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 victory, Gauff was visibly struggling during the match. Midway through the second set she signalled for the on‑court physiotherapist, and shortly thereafter she was seen vomiting on the baseline. Medical staff quickly checked her blood pressure and monitored her condition, confirming that she was dealing with a bout of stomach distress rather than a typical post‑match cramp.
Despite the setback, Gauff managed to rally and secure the win, but the episode underscored how the illness was affecting even the tournament’s brightest stars. The problem has not been limited to the women’s draw.
Several men’s players have also been forced to pull out. Six‑time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek announced her retirement from a match against Ann Li on Saturday, describing her condition as “zero stability and zero energy.” Her comments reflected a broader sentiment among the competitors: the virus, or possibly food‑borne poisoning, was sapping their stamina and leaving them unable to maintain the high level of play required on the demanding Madrid courts.
Marin Cilic, a former world No. 3 and 2014 US Open champion, was another notable casualty.
Scheduled to face Joao Fonseca on Friday, Cilic withdrew at the last minute, citing food poisoning as the cause. His brief statement, “unfortunately, I got food poisoning,” added weight to the theory that a contaminated dish might be at the heart of the outbreak. Rumours circulating in the players’ lounge have zeroed in on a specific menu item: shrimp tacos. While the tournament’s catering staff have not confirmed any link, many athletes have pointed to the popular street‑food style dish served at the on‑site restaurants as a possible source of the gastrointestinal distress.
The speculation has been amplified by social media chatter and informal interviews, with some players jokingly blaming the tacos for their sudden loss of appetite and energy. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off a fourth‑round win over Naomi Osaka, addressed the issue head‑on during a post‑match interview. Sabalenka revealed that she has deliberately switched to a very plain diet consisting of chicken breast, rice, and salad in an effort to avoid the offending 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 laugh when she mentioned the need to stay away from the suspect tacos. Her approach appears to be working; after trailing Osaka by a set and a break, Sabalenka turned the match around to win 6-7 (1-7), 6-3, 6-2, keeping her title defence hopes alive. The illness has sparked broader concerns about player health protocols at large events. Tournament officials have reportedly increased sanitation measures, provided additional medical staff, and issued advisories urging players to be cautious about what they eat.
However, the exact nature of the pathogen—whether viral or bacterial—remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. Beyond the immediate health scare, the situation highlights the delicate balance athletes must maintain between performance and nutrition.
In a sport where weight, hydration, and energy levels are meticulously managed, even a minor upset to the digestive system can have a cascading effect on concentration, movement, and recovery. The Madrid Open, known for its high altitude and fast‑drying clay, already poses unique physical challenges; adding a stomach virus into the mix creates a perfect storm for fatigue and injury. For fans, the disruption has been palpable. Several marquee matchups have been cancelled or altered, and broadcasters have had to adjust their programming.
Sky Sports, which holds the rights to stream both ATP and WTA action, has emphasized its commitment to delivering live coverage despite the setbacks, offering viewers the option to watch via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app. The network also encourages fans to use Chrome for the best video experience, noting that the platform provides a more accessible player. Looking ahead, players who have remained symptom‑free are likely to continue with cautious dietary strategies. The tournament’s medical team is advising anyone who feels unwell to seek immediate attention, and they are conducting tests on food samples from the venue’s kitchens.
While the exact cause may take time to pinpoint, the consensus among players is that sticking to bland, easily digestible meals reduces the risk of falling ill. In summary, the Madrid Open is currently battling a dual front: the usual competition on the court and an unexpected wave of gastrointestinal issues off it.
Whether shrimp tacos are the true villain or simply a convenient scapegoat remains to be seen, but the episode serves as a reminder of how quickly external factors can influence elite sport. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the remaining competitors to see who can stay healthy enough to chase the title, and whether the organizers can contain the outbreak before it spreads further.