Coco Gauff managed to pull herself together after an unsettling bout of nausea and vomiting on the court, ultimately prevailing over Romania's Sorana Cirstea in a heated encounter at the Mutua Madrid Open on Sunday. The American, who entered the tournament as the defending French Open champion and a finalist here a year earlier, faced a physical battle that saw her drop the first set and even lose a service break before rallying to secure a place in the fourth round with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 victory in the Spanish capital. Early in the second set, Gauff signaled for the team's physiotherapist. Moments later she experienced a sudden wave of sickness, vomited on the hardcourt, and was subsequently examined by the tournament doctor, who checked her blood pressure and ensured she was fit to continue.
Despite the discomfort, the young star refused to concede, focusing on each point rather than the lingering unease. The tournament has been plagued by reports of a contagious virus that has forced several high‑profile players to withdraw, including world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, former Grand Slam champion Marin Cilic, and American Madison Keys. Organizers and medical staff have been on high alert, conducting regular health screenings and advising players to stay hydrated and rested.
When asked how she managed to soldier on, Gauff admitted she could not fully explain her resilience. "I don't know. Honestly, I was just trying to finish the match and one point turned into another," she said.
"I think I caught whatever everyone else is dealing with here in Madrid, but I just kept pushing for tomorrow." In a later interview with Sky Sports, she elaborated on the physical toll. "I tried to keep my food down, but after I vomited once, I was able to throw up again and then I felt a bit better," she recounted.
"It was a tough match. I think I got the Madrid Open virus bug that's going around and I'm usually someone who doesn't get sick." Gauff also reflected on how the clay surface influenced the match. "The clay helped me today because the ball was a little bit slower and it bounced higher. It gave me time to get to some balls when I wasn't moving my best," she explained, noting that the slower conditions allowed her to recover a bit of rhythm after the unsettling episode.
The Romanian opponent, Sorana Cirstea, voiced frustration during the first set, addressing umpire Kader Nouni about what she perceived as coaching from Gauff's box. "Her coach is screaming from that end, 'Come on, aggressive, let's go, do this all game long, come on, forehand, backhand, first serve', this is coaching! Because I'm there and they are bothering me because they are screaming in my ear," Cirstea complained before the eighth game. The umpire responded, "For me, I do not hear any coaching," effectively dismissing the allegation.
Despite the tension and the health scare, Gauff maintained her composure and turned the match around. After clinching the second set 7-5, she dominated the third with a decisive 6-1 scoreline, showcasing her mental toughness and adaptability on clay.
Looking ahead, Gauff's next challenge will be against Linda Noskova, who advanced to the fourth round after receiving a walkover when the 20th seed Liudmila Samsonova withdrew due to illness. The upcoming clash promises another test of Gauff's resilience, especially as the tournament continues to grapple with the lingering virus concerns.
The Madrid Open remains a pivotal stop on the WTA calendar, offering players valuable clay‑court preparation ahead of the French Open. With the health situation under close scrutiny, officials have urged competitors to monitor any symptoms and to seek immediate medical attention if needed. Fans can follow the action live via Sky Sports or stream through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, which provides expanded coverage of the ATP and WTA tours, delivering more than 50 percent additional live sport at no extra cost for subscribers. Overall, Gauff's gritty performance under adverse conditions underscores her growing reputation as a tenacious competitor capable of overcoming both physical setbacks and on‑court distractions.
Her ability to adapt to the slower clay, manage a sudden illness, and still produce a high‑quality tennis display highlights the mental fortitude that has become a hallmark of her rising career.