The Madrid Open has been hit by an unexpected adversary that is proving just as challenging as any top‑seed opponent: a gastrointestinal illness that appears to be sweeping through the player field. Reports from the tournament indicate that a number of high‑profile competitors have been sidelined or forced to battle through severe symptoms, raising concerns about a possible outbreak of food‑borne illness or a viral stomach bug. One of the most talked‑about cases involved American rising star Coco Gauff.
After dispatching Sorana Cîrstea in the fourth round with a hard‑fought 4‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1 victory, Gauff’s triumph was marred by a sudden bout of nausea. Midway through the second set she signaled to the on‑court physiotherapist, and moments later she vomited on the court. Medical staff rushed to assess her condition, even checking her blood pressure to rule out any serious complications.
Despite the setback, Gauff managed to pull through and secure the win, but the incident underscored how the illness is affecting even those in peak physical condition. The problem is not limited to Gauff.
Several other marquee names have either withdrawn or retired from matches citing similar symptoms. Six‑time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek pulled out of her match against Ann Li, describing her state as "zero stability and zero energy," a phrase that captured the debilitating fatigue many players are experiencing.
Veteran Croatian star Marin Čilić was forced to forfeit his scheduled match against João Fonseca on Friday, bluntly attributing his inability to compete to "food poisoning." Madison Keys, another top‑ranked American, also withdrew, adding to the growing list of athletes impacted by the mysterious ailment. Speculation among players and coaches points to a common dietary source: shrimp tacos.
While the tournament’s catering staff have not confirmed any specific contamination, the rumor has circulated that a batch of seafood‑based tacos served earlier in the week may have been the spark that ignited the outbreak. Whether the tacos are truly to blame or simply a convenient scapegoat remains unverified, but the narrative has become part of the tournament’s ongoing storyline.
In response to the health scare, some competitors have taken drastic measures to protect themselves. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off a dramatic fourth‑round victory over Naomi Osaka, openly discussed her strategy for avoiding the illness.
Sabalenka revealed that she has been adhering to a very plain, repetitive diet consisting of chicken breast, rice, and salad since the tournament’s opening day. She joked with reporters, "I heard I have to avoid those tacos (laughing)." She 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 win over Osaka was a testament to her resilience. 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, securing her place in the semifinals and keeping her title defense hopes alive in the Spanish capital.
Her disciplined eating plan appears to have paid off, at least for the moment, as she continues to navigate the tournament without showing any signs of the stomach distress that has plagued many of her peers. The broader implications of the outbreak extend beyond individual matches. Tournament officials have been working closely with medical teams to monitor the situation, offering additional health screenings and advising players to stay hydrated and practice rigorous hand hygiene.
While the exact cause—whether viral gastroenteritis, a bacterial food poisoning incident, or a combination of both—has yet to be definitively identified, the organizers are taking a cautious approach to prevent further spread. For fans watching at home, the situation has added an extra layer of drama to the competition. Sky Sports has continued to provide live coverage of both ATP and WTA events, with the option to stream matches through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app.
The network has also highlighted the importance of using a Chrome browser for an optimal video experience, ensuring that viewers can follow every twist and turn of the tournament despite the off‑court health concerns. As the Madrid Open progresses, players will likely continue to adjust their routines, opting for bland, easily digestible meals and staying vigilant for any signs of illness. The episode serves as a reminder that even in the world of elite sport, athletes are not immune to the everyday challenges of staying healthy, and that sometimes the most formidable opponent can be something as mundane as a contaminated dish.
Whether the shrimp tacos will be officially identified as the source or remain an anecdotal footnote, the incident has already left an indelible mark on this year’s event, prompting a renewed focus on nutrition, hygiene, and the unpredictable nature of competitive tennis.