The Madrid Open has been plagued by an unexpected adversary this week: a gastrointestinal illness that appears to be affecting a number of high‑profile players. While the tournament is usually remembered for its intense rallies and dramatic upsets, this year the conversation has turned to health concerns, with speculation swirling around a possible link to a particular food item. One of the most prominent examples of the issue was the situation involving Coco Gauff. After a hard‑fought victory over Sorana Cirstea in the third round – a match that ended 4‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1 – Gauff began to feel unwell during the second set.
She signaled to the on‑court physiotherapist, and shortly thereafter she experienced a bout of vomiting on the court. Medical staff quickly intervened, checking her blood pressure and providing immediate care. Despite the setback, Gauff managed to rally and eventually secure the win, only to be eliminated in the round of 16 by Linda Noskova after a tense third‑set tiebreaker. The problem, however, is not isolated to Gauff.
Several other top‑ranked competitors have withdrawn or retired from their matches, citing similar symptoms. Six‑time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek pulled out of her match against Ann Li, describing herself as having "zero stability and zero energy" – a clear indication that the virus was sapping her strength. Marin Cilic also withdrew before his scheduled clash with Joao Fonseca, attributing his inability to compete to "food poisoning." Madison Keys, another fan favourite, has also been listed among the players forced to abandon the competition due to the same mysterious ailment.
Rumours among the players' camp have pointed toward a specific culinary culprit: shrimp tacos. While the exact source of the outbreak has not been officially confirmed, many athletes have reported that they fell ill after consuming the popular street‑food dish that is served at several of the tournament's hospitality venues. The speculation has been amplified by the fact that the timing of the symptoms aligns closely with the consumption of these tacos.
In response to the growing concerns, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has taken a cautious approach to her diet. After her fourth‑round win over Naomi Osaka – a match in which she overcame a set and a break deficit to prevail 6‑7 (1‑7), 6‑3, 6‑2 – Sabalenka explained that she has been sticking to a very plain and simple menu consisting of chicken breast, rice, and salad.
She emphasized that she is deliberately avoiding any potentially risky foods, joking that she has heard she should stay away from "those tacos" and that she is "knocking on wood" to keep the illness at bay. Her strategy appears to be paying off, as she continues her quest to defend her title in the Spanish capital. The tournament organizers have been forced to address the situation publicly.
They have issued statements urging players to stay hydrated, maintain proper hygiene, and be mindful of what they eat while on site. In addition, medical teams have been stationed throughout the venue to provide rapid assistance to anyone experiencing symptoms.
Despite these measures, the spread of the virus has continued to affect the draw, leading to a number of unexpected withdrawals and altering the competitive landscape. For fans watching at home, the coverage remains extensive. Sky Sports continues to broadcast live matches from both the ATP and WTA tours, and viewers can also stream the action via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app. The broadcaster has highlighted that its customers now have access to more than 50 percent additional live sport this year at no extra charge, ensuring that even with the disruptions on court, the audience can still enjoy a wealth of tennis content.
The broader implications of the outbreak extend beyond the immediate tournament. Health officials and event planners are now reviewing food safety protocols, especially concerning popular street‑food offerings at large sporting events.
The situation serves as a reminder that even elite athletes, who are often meticulous about nutrition and recovery, are vulnerable to food‑borne illnesses when proper precautions are not taken. Looking ahead, the remaining competitors will need to stay vigilant. With the semifinals and finals approaching, players who have managed to avoid the virus will have a chance to capitalize on the weakened field. Sabalenka, for instance, appears to be in strong form, having demonstrated resilience and tactical adaptability in her comeback against Osaka.
If she can maintain her disciplined diet and stay clear of any questionable meals, she stands a solid chance of retaining her crown. In summary, the Madrid Open this year has become a case study in how a seemingly minor dietary misstep – possibly a shrimp taco – can cascade into a tournament‑wide health crisis. While the exact cause of the illness remains under investigation, the incident underscores the importance of rigorous food safety standards and the need for athletes to monitor their nutrition closely. As the competition draws to its climax, fans and players alike will be watching not only for spectacular tennis but also for signs that the outbreak is finally under control.