The Madrid Open has been plagued by an unexpected adversary this week: a gastrointestinal bug that appears to be sweeping through the player field. Reports of stomach upset and food‑related illness have surfaced among several high‑profile competitors, turning the tournament into a battle not only against opponents on the court but also against an invisible pathogen.
One of the most striking examples came from American rising star Coco Gauff. After dispatching Sorana Cîrstea in a hard‑fought three‑set match (4‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1) in the third round, Gauff showed clear signs of distress during the second set. She summoned the team physiotherapist, then proceeded to vomit on the court.
Medical staff quickly checked her blood pressure and monitored her condition before she was allowed to continue. Gauff ultimately prevailed, but the episode underscored how the illness is affecting even the fittest athletes. The problem is not limited to Gauff. On Friday, former world No.
1 and multiple Grand Slam champion Marin Čilić was forced to withdraw from his scheduled match against João Fonseca, citing "food poisoning" as the reason. Čilić’s statement was brief but unmistakable: "Unfortunately, I got food poisoning," he said, confirming that the ailment was serious enough to halt his participation. Poland’s Iga Świątek, who entered the tournament as a top seed and a favorite to win, also succumbed to the malaise. After a grueling encounter with Ann Li on Saturday, Świątek retired from the match, describing her condition as having "zero stability and zero energy." Her abrupt exit was a clear indicator that the virus—or perhaps a contaminated meal—was taking a toll on elite players.
Madison Keys, another prominent name on the WTA tour, has also been listed among those who withdrew, further adding to the growing list of athletes sidelined by the same mysterious bug. While the exact cause has not been officially confirmed, speculation among the players and coaches points to a common dietary culprit: shrimp tacos.
Several competitors have mentioned that they consumed tacos from a local vendor early in the week, and the timing aligns with the onset of symptoms. In the midst of these concerns, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka offered a pragmatic approach after her fourth‑round victory over Naomi Osaka.
Sabalenka, who has been a dominant force in the women’s draw, said she has been adhering to a very plain and simple diet—primarily chicken breast, rice, and salad—to minimize her exposure to whatever is circulating among the players. "I stick to the same food, same meal that I've been having since the very beginning of the tournament," she explained, adding with a laugh that she had heard she should avoid the tacos.
"So far, so good. I heard that I have to avoid those tacos (laughing)." Sabalenka’s match against Osaka was a dramatic comeback.
After dropping the first set in a tiebreak (6‑7, 1‑7), she rallied to take the next two sets 6‑3, 6‑2, demonstrating both physical resilience and mental fortitude. Her win kept her on track to defend her title in Madrid, and it also highlighted the importance of a disciplined nutritional strategy when a contagious stomach virus is threatening the field. The situation has prompted tournament officials to increase health screenings and to advise players to be vigilant about food safety.
Organizers have reminded everyone to wash hands frequently, stay hydrated, and consider sticking to bland, easily digestible meals until the outbreak subsides. Some players have opted for meals prepared by their own chefs, while others have turned to the tournament’s on‑site catering, which has reportedly tightened its hygiene protocols. Beyond the immediate health concerns, the incident raises broader questions about food safety at large sporting events.
With hundreds of athletes, staff, and spectators converging on a single venue, the risk of food‑borne illnesses can be amplified. Event planners are now being urged to implement stricter vendor vetting processes, ensure proper food storage temperatures, and conduct regular inspections to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
For fans following the action, the tournament continues to deliver high‑quality tennis despite the setbacks. Live scores, upcoming match schedules, and video highlights are available through the Sky Sports app and the NOW streaming service.
Subscribers can enjoy an expanded live‑sport offering—over 50 percent more coverage this year—without additional fees, making it easier to keep up with the drama on and off the court. In summary, the Madrid Open has become a case study in how a seemingly minor health issue can ripple through a major international competition. While the exact source of the stomach virus remains unconfirmed, the consensus among players points to questionable shrimp tacos as a likely trigger. Athletes like Gauff, Čilić, Świątek, and Sabalenka have responded in various ways—some withdrawing, others adjusting their diets—to mitigate the impact.
As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on both competitive performance and maintaining the health of everyone involved, ensuring that the sport can continue safely and spectacularly.