The Madrid Open has been plagued by an unexpected adversary this year: a gastrointestinal illness that appears to be sweeping through the player field. While the tournament is traditionally a showcase of top‑tier tennis, the recent days have seen several high‑profile competitors either struggle on court or withdraw entirely, prompting speculation about the source of the outbreak. One of the most striking examples was the situation involving Coco Gauff. After dispatching Sorana Cirstea in a hard‑fought three‑set battle (4‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1) in the round of 32, Gauff signaled for medical assistance during the second set.
She subsequently vomited on the court and later underwent a blood‑pressure check by the tournament doctor. The incident highlighted how the illness was affecting even the fittest athletes, forcing them to pause mid‑match for basic medical care.
Gauff’s earlier victory over Cirstea had already shown signs of distress, but the episode after the match made it clear that something more than routine fatigue was at play. The physical symptoms—nausea, vomiting, and a sudden drop in blood pressure—are consistent with either a stomach virus or a bout of food‑borne poisoning. The timing coincides with a spate of withdrawals that have raised eyebrows among officials and fans alike.
Among the players who have pulled out of the competition are Iga Świątek, Marin Čilić, and Madison Keys. Čilić, scheduled to face João Fonseca on Friday, announced that he was unable to compete because of "food poisoning," a term that suggests a contaminated meal rather than a viral infection. Świątek, a six‑time Grand Slam champion, retired from her match against Ann Li on Saturday, describing her condition as having "zero stability and zero energy." Her description mirrors the classic symptoms of a gastrointestinal upset, where dehydration and electrolyte imbalance sap an athlete’s stamina and coordination.
The rumor mill within the players' camp has zeroed in on a particular culinary culprit: shrimp tacos. While the tournament’s food vendors offer a wide array of local Spanish fare, a batch of shrimp tacos appears to have been singled out as the potential source of the outbreak.
Whether this is a factual link or simply a convenient scapegoat remains uncertain, but the narrative has gained traction as more athletes mention avoiding the dish. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who secured a fourth‑round win over Naomi Osaka, addressed the issue directly.
After her match, Sabalenka explained that she has adopted a very plain diet—primarily chicken breast, rice, and salad—to minimize the risk of falling ill. She laughed that she had heard she needed to stay away from the tacos, and she emphasized her commitment to a simple, predictable menu that she has been following since the tournament’s opening day. Sabalenka’s approach proved effective in her own performance.
After dropping the first set 6‑7 (1‑7) and finding herself a break down, she rallied to claim the next two sets 6‑3, 6‑2, ultimately advancing deeper into the draw and keeping her title defense hopes alive. Her victory illustrates how a disciplined nutritional strategy can help mitigate the impact of a widespread stomach bug, at least for those who can adhere to it. The broader implications of the illness are significant for tournament organizers. A sudden wave of gastrointestinal symptoms can strain medical staff, disrupt scheduling, and diminish the overall quality of competition.
Moreover, it raises questions about food safety protocols, vendor hygiene, and the need for rapid testing when multiple athletes report similar symptoms. In response, the Madrid Open officials have reportedly increased sanitation measures, conducted additional health screenings, and issued advisories urging players to be cautious about what they eat on and off the court. They have also encouraged athletes to stay hydrated and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any signs of nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
For fans, the situation adds an unexpected layer of drama to the tournament narrative. While the on‑court battles remain the main attraction, the off‑court health scare has become a talking point, with commentators and social media users debating whether the tacos are truly to blame or if the virus is simply spreading through close contact in the players' shared facilities. The incident also serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of elite athletes to seemingly mundane health threats.
Even the most meticulously prepared competitors can be sidelined by a simple bout of food poisoning or a viral infection, underscoring the importance of comprehensive health monitoring and preventive measures in high‑performance sport. As the Madrid Open progresses, the remaining players are likely to continue their cautious approach to nutrition, opting for bland, easily digestible meals in an effort to avoid the dreaded stomach upset. Whether the outbreak will subside quickly or linger throughout the remainder of the event remains to be seen, but the tournament’s organizers and participants are now acutely aware that the battle extends beyond the baseline and into the realm of food safety and personal health. For those following the action, live scores, results, and upcoming match schedules are available through the Sky Sports app, which also offers video highlights and on‑demand replays.
Viewers can stream the ATP and WTA tours via NOW or the Sky Sports app, enjoying expanded live coverage without additional cost. The app also provides alerts for any updates regarding player health and match rescheduling, ensuring fans stay informed as the situation evolves.