The Madrid Open has been plagued by an unexpected adversary this year: a contagious stomach ailment that appears to be hitting several high‑profile players. While the tournament normally showcases the clash of rackets and strategy, many competitors have found themselves battling nausea, dehydration and low energy levels instead of their opponents across the net.
One of the most talked‑about cases involved American rising star Coco Gauff. After a hard‑fought win over Romania's Sorana Cirstea – a match that saw Gauff recover from a set down to claim a 4‑6, 7‑5, 6‑1 victory – the young athlete signaled that she was not feeling well. During the second set, she summoned the team physiotherapist, and moments later she was seen vomiting on the court.
The incident prompted an immediate medical assessment, with doctors checking her blood pressure and monitoring her hydration. Gauff ultimately fell to Czech teenager Linda Noskova in the round of 16, losing a tightly contested third‑set tiebreaker. While the result could be attributed to the opponent's performance, many commentators noted that Gauff’s lingering stomach issues likely hampered her stamina and concentration.
Gauff’s experience is far from isolated. The tournament has seen a spate of withdrawals and retirements that point to a broader health problem among the field.
Polish champion Iga Swiatek, a multiple‑Grand Slam winner, was forced to retire from her match against Ann Li, describing her condition as "zero stability and zero energy." Swiatek’s comments highlighted the debilitating effect of the illness – an inability to maintain balance, focus, and the explosive movement required at the elite level. Former world number one Marin Cilic also cited the same malady.
The veteran Croatian pulled out of his scheduled bout with Brazil's Joao Fonseca, publicly attributing his absence to "food poisoning." While the precise source of the infection has not been officially confirmed, rumors among players have coalesced around a particular culinary culprit: shrimp tacos. These popular street‑food items have been served at several local eateries near the tournament venue, and some athletes suspect that a batch may have been contaminated, leading to the gastrointestinal symptoms now seen across the draw. The speculation gained additional fuel after world number one Aryna Sabalenka addressed the issue in a post‑match interview following her fourth‑round win over Naomi Osaka.
Sabalenka, who is defending her Madrid Open title, explained that she has adopted a very bland diet for the duration of the event – essentially chicken breast, rice and salad – in an effort to avoid any potential triggers. "I stick to the same food, the same meals I've been having since the beginning of the tournament," she said, adding a light‑hearted comment about steering clear of the infamous tacos.
Her strategy appeared to pay off, as she rallied from a set and a break down to defeat Osaka 6‑7 (1‑7), 6‑3, 6‑2, keeping her title hopes alive. Medical staff on site have been working around the clock to identify the source of the outbreak and to provide treatment to affected players. Standard protocols include rehydration therapy, anti‑emetic medication, and, when necessary, brief periods of rest away from the court. The tournament organizers have also issued advisories reminding athletes to be cautious about food choices and to maintain rigorous hygiene practices, especially when consuming street food or meals prepared off‑site.
Beyond the immediate health concerns, the situation raises broader questions about food safety at international sporting events. The Madrid Open attracts thousands of spectators, media personnel, and support staff, all of whom share the same hospitality facilities. Ensuring that vendors comply with strict sanitary standards is essential to prevent future incidents.
Some experts suggest that the governing bodies could implement mandatory food handling certifications for all concession operators within the tournament perimeter. For fans watching from home, the disruption has also led to a reshuffling of the broadcast schedule. Sky Sports, which holds the rights to air the ATP and WTA matches, has emphasized its commitment to delivering uninterrupted coverage despite the player withdrawals. Subscribers can continue to stream live action via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, which offers an expanded slate of live sports – reportedly over 50 percent more than in previous seasons – at no additional charge for existing customers.
In summary, the Madrid Open this year has been as much a test of resilience and health management as it has been a showcase of tennis skill. Players like Gauff, Swiatek, Cilic and Sabalenka have all had to navigate the unpredictable challenges posed by a stomach virus that may have originated from a seemingly innocuous culinary delight. As the tournament progresses, athletes are adapting by simplifying their diets, staying vigilant about hygiene, and relying on medical support to stay in the competition. Whether the shrimp tacos are indeed the root cause remains to be definitively proven, but the incident serves as a reminder that even the most elite athletes are vulnerable to everyday health hazards, and that careful attention to nutrition and food safety is a vital component of professional sport.