The Madrid Open has been plagued by an unexpected adversary: a stomach‑affecting virus, or possibly food‑borne illness, that has sidelined a number of high‑profile competitors. The situation has turned the tournament into a battle not just against opponents on the court, but against a mysterious gastrointestinal bug that appears to be circulating among the players.
One of the most talked‑about cases involved rising star Coco Gauff. After advancing to the fourth round with a hard‑fought win over Sorana Cîrstea—4‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1—Gauff began to feel unwell during the second set.
She signaled for the on‑court physiotherapist, and shortly thereafter she was seen vomiting on the baseline. Medical staff quickly checked her blood pressure and monitored her condition, but the episode was enough to raise eyebrows about her fitness for the remainder of the event.
Gauff eventually fell to Linda Noskova in a dramatic third‑set tiebreaker in the round of 16, a match many observers suspect may have been influenced by her lingering discomfort. The virus, or food poisoning, has not been limited to Gauff. Several other notable players have withdrawn or retired from matches, citing similar symptoms.
Six‑time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek pulled out of her encounter with Ann Li, describing herself as having "zero stability and zero energy" after a brief bout. Former world No.
1 and multiple Grand Slam winner Marin Čilić was forced to concede his match against João Fonseca, bluntly stating, "unfortunately, I got food poisoning." Madison Keys also withdrew, adding her name to the growing list of athletes affected by the mysterious ailment. Rumors among the players have pointed to a particular culinary culprit: shrimp tacos. While the claim is anecdotal, the timing of the outbreaks coincides with a popular local food stall that serves the seafood dish, leading many to wonder if a contaminated batch might be the source. The tournament’s medical team has not confirmed any specific source, but the speculation has added an extra layer of intrigue to the ongoing drama.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who recently defeated Naomi Osaka in a gripping fourth‑round match, chose to address the issue by adopting a very cautious diet. After her victory—6‑7 (1‑7), 6‑3, 6‑2—Sabalenka explained that she has been eating only plain chicken breast, rice, and salad since the start of the tournament, hoping to avoid any trigger foods that could exacerbate the illness.
She laughed when asked about the shrimp tacos, saying, "I heard that I have to avoid those tacos (laughing). So far, so good. I stick to the same food, same meal that I've been having since the very beginning of the tournament." Sabalenka's strategy appears to be paying off. Despite falling a set and a break behind Osaka early in the match, she rallied to claim the win and keep her title defence hopes alive in the Spanish capital.
Her disciplined approach to nutrition underscores a broader trend among athletes to control every variable—especially diet—when faced with a health scare that could jeopardise performance. The broader impact of the illness on the tournament cannot be understated.
With several top‑seeded players either withdrawing or competing at less than full capacity, the draw has opened up, providing opportunities for lower‑ranked competitors to make deeper runs. Fans have expressed concern for the well‑being of the players, while also noting the unusual nature of the situation: a virus or food‑borne issue becoming a headline alongside the usual analysis of form, tactics, and weather conditions.
Tournament officials have taken steps to mitigate the spread. Increased sanitation measures have been implemented in player lounges, dining areas, and locker rooms. Food vendors have been asked to adhere to stricter hygiene protocols, and players are being reminded to stay hydrated and to report any symptoms promptly.
Nevertheless, the exact cause remains under investigation, and the situation serves as a reminder of how quickly an outbreak can affect a high‑profile sporting event. For viewers, the Madrid Open continues to be broadcast across multiple platforms. Fans can watch live ATP and WTA matches via Sky Sports, the NOW streaming service, or the Sky Sports app, which promises over 50% more live sport coverage this year at no additional cost for subscribers.
The coverage includes real‑time scores, match highlights, and expert analysis, ensuring that even as the players contend with health challenges, the audience can stay engaged with the on‑court action. In summary, the Madrid Open has been unexpectedly marred by a stomach‑related illness that appears to be affecting a surprising number of elite tennis players.
While the exact source—whether a viral infection or contaminated shrimp tacos—remains unconfirmed, the incident has prompted stricter dietary measures among players like Sabalenka, forced withdrawals from stars such as Świątek, Čilić, and Keys, and added an extra layer of uncertainty to an already competitive event. As the tournament progresses, the medical staff will continue monitoring the situation, and players will likely remain vigilant about their food choices, hoping to stay healthy enough to compete at the highest level.