The Madrid Open has turned into an unexpected battleground, not just for the athletes’ skill but also for a mysterious stomach ailment that appears to be sweeping through the tournament. Several high‑profile players have either struggled on court or withdrawn entirely, citing symptoms that range from nausea and vomiting to a marked loss of stamina.
While the exact source of the illness remains unconfirmed, many competitors have pointed fingers at a particular culinary suspect – shrimp tacos – as the possible trigger. One of the most prominent examples of the virus’s impact was seen in the performance of American rising star Coco Gauff. After advancing to the fourth round by defeating Sorana Cîrstea in a hard‑fought three‑set match (4‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1), Gauff’s victory was marred by visible distress.
Mid‑match, she signaled to the team’s physiotherapist, and shortly thereafter she was seen vomiting on the court. Medical staff promptly checked her blood pressure, and she was given a brief respite before continuing. Despite the setback, Gauff managed to pull through, but the episode underscored how the illness was affecting even the fittest competitors.
Gauff’s earlier win over Cîrstea had already hinted at her discomfort. During the second set, she appeared unusually fatigued and requested a medical timeout. The incident sparked speculation among commentators and fellow players about a broader health issue circulating within the tournament’s player village.
The problem has not been limited to the women’s draw. On the men’s side, former world No. 1 and six‑time Grand Slam champion Marin Čilić was forced to forfeit his scheduled match against Brazil’s João Fonseca on Friday, attributing his withdrawal to "food poisoning." Čilić’s statement was brief but clear: "Unfortunately, I got food poisoning," he said, confirming that his symptoms were severe enough to prevent him from competing at the professional level. Poland’s Iga Świątek, who entered the event as a top seed and fan favorite, also fell victim to the malaise.
After a match against Ann Li on Saturday, Świątek retired, explaining that she felt "zero stability and zero energy." Her description painted a picture of a player whose body simply could not sustain the physical demands of high‑intensity tennis under the current conditions. The recurring theme among these reports is a shared suspicion that a particular dish – shrimp tacos – might be the common denominator. While no official investigation has confirmed this link, the rumor has spread quickly through locker rooms and player briefings, prompting many athletes to adjust their diets in an effort to avoid further complications.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who recently secured a fourth‑round triumph over Naomi Osaka, addressed the issue head‑on.
After her match, Sabalenka explained that she has been adhering to a very simple, bland diet consisting primarily of chicken breast, rice, and salad. She said she is deliberately steering clear of any potentially risky foods, joking that she has heard she should "avoid those tacos" (laughing). Sabalenka added, "I stick to the same food, same meal that I've been having since the very beginning of the tournament. So far, so good." Sabalenka’s disciplined eating plan seemed to pay off.
After dropping the first set 6‑7 (1‑7) and finding herself a break down against Osaka, she rallied to claim the next two sets 6‑3, 6‑2, thereby keeping her title defense hopes alive in the Spanish capital. Her victory not only demonstrated her resilience but also highlighted the possible advantage of a controlled diet when a contagious stomach bug is circulating among competitors.
The situation has prompted tournament officials to increase health monitoring and to advise players to stay vigilant about food safety. Organizers have reportedly heightened sanitation protocols in dining areas and are working closely with local health authorities to identify any sources of contamination.
Meanwhile, players who have been able to stay symptom‑free are opting for low‑risk meals, often described as "plain" or "boring" by the athletes themselves, in order to preserve their physical condition. For fans following the drama, the tournament continues to offer a full slate of matches, with live scores, results, and upcoming fixtures readily available through the Sky Sports app and the NOW streaming platform. The app provides access to a range of tennis content, including video highlights, best‑shot compilations, and real‑time updates.
Viewers are encouraged to use a Chrome browser for the optimal video experience. In summary, the Madrid Open has become a case study in how an unexpected health issue can ripple through a major sporting event. While the exact cause—whether it is a viral stomach bug, food poisoning, or a combination of both—remains under investigation, the prevailing narrative points to shrimp tacos as a likely suspect. Players like Sabalenka have responded by simplifying their diets, while others have been forced to withdraw or battle through significant discomfort.
As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on both the on‑court performances and the ongoing efforts to safeguard player health, ensuring that the competition can continue with as few interruptions as possible.