The Madrid Open has been plagued by an unexpected adversary this week: a gastrointestinal illness that appears to be sweeping through the player camp. While the tournament normally showcases the clash of rackets and athletic prowess, this year competitors have been forced to battle a mysterious stomach virus—or possibly food poisoning— that has taken its toll on several high‑profile participants. One of the most prominent examples is American prodigy Coco Gauff.
After dispatching Sorana Cirstea in a hard‑fought three‑set encounter (4-6, 7-5, 6-1) in the fourth round, Gauff seemed to be in good shape. Yet during the second set she signaled to the team’s physiotherapist, and moments later she was seen vomiting on the court. Medical staff quickly assessed her, even checking her blood pressure, before allowing her to continue. Despite the setback, Gauff managed to rally and secure the win, only to fall in the round of 16 to Linda Noskova in a tense third‑set tiebreak.
Gauff’s experience is far from isolated. The tournament’s medical bulletin has reported a wave of gastrointestinal complaints, prompting withdrawals from several top‑ranked players. Six‑time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek withdrew after a match against Ann Li, describing herself as having "zero stability and zero energy" and citing an inability to continue.
Similarly, veteran Croatian star Marin Cilic was forced to concede his match against Joao Fonseca, attributing his condition to "food poisoning" rather than the virus that others suspect. Madison Keys also pulled out of the competition, adding to the growing list of athletes sidelined by the illness. Rumors circulating among the players point to a specific culinary culprit: shrimp tacos. While the exact source of the outbreak has not been officially confirmed, many competitors have blamed the popular Mexican‑style snack served at the venue’s hospitality areas for triggering the symptoms.
In response to the health scare, world number one Aryna Sabalenka took a cautious approach after her fourth‑round victory over Naomi Osaka. Sabalenka, who is defending her title in Madrid, explained that she has adopted a very plain and predictable diet—primarily chicken breast, rice, and salad—to avoid any further exposure to the offending food. "I stick to the same food, same meal that I've been having since the very beginning of the tournament," she said, adding with a laugh that she had heard she needed to steer clear of the tacos.
Her strategy appears to be paying off; after dropping the first set 6-7 (1-7) and finding herself a break down, Sabalenka rallied to win the next two sets 6-3, 6-2, keeping her championship hopes alive. The situation has prompted tournament officials to issue advisories, urging players to be mindful of what they eat and to stay hydrated. The medical team has been working around the clock, providing on‑site testing and treatment for those affected.
In addition to the immediate health concerns, the outbreak raises broader questions about food safety protocols at large sporting events, where thousands of athletes, staff, and spectators converge. Beyond the immediate impact on individual matches, the virus has also affected the tournament’s schedule and broadcast plans. Sky Sports, which holds the rights to stream the ATP and WTA tours, has highlighted the importance of staying informed through its app and website, where fans can access live scores, match highlights, and expert analysis.
The network also encourages viewers to use Chrome for an optimal video experience, noting that the platform supports a more accessible player. While the exact pathogen remains unidentified, symptoms reported by the players include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and a general feeling of fatigue.
Such gastrointestinal illnesses can be caused by a range of agents—from viral gastroenteritis (often called the "stomach flu") to bacterial contamination in food. In a high‑stress environment like a Grand Slam‑level tournament, even a mild bug can quickly become debilitating, especially when athletes are required to perform at peak physical condition. Medical experts suggest that prevention strategies include thorough hand washing, avoiding raw or undercooked seafood, and limiting consumption of street‑food style dishes that may not meet stringent hygiene standards.
For athletes, maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables can help support the immune system during intense competition. The Madrid Open’s organizers have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation once the tournament concludes, working with local health authorities to trace the source and implement stricter food handling procedures for future editions. In the meantime, players like Sabalenka are opting for bland, easily digestible meals, hoping to sidestep the illness that has already claimed several high‑profile exits.
Fans watching from home can continue to follow the action via Sky Sports’ streaming service NOW, which offers live coverage of both ATP and WTA matches. The platform also provides exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content, interviews, and analysis, giving viewers a comprehensive view of the tournament despite the off‑court drama. In summary, the Madrid Open this year has become a test of resilience not just on the court but also in the locker rooms and dining areas.
While the exact cause of the stomach ailment remains under investigation, the prevailing theory points to contaminated shrimp tacos, prompting players to adopt minimalist diets in an effort to stay healthy. As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on the remaining contenders to see who can maintain both physical performance and gastrointestinal stability in the face of this unexpected challenge.