Stomach Virus Disrupts Madrid Open: Coco Gauff’s On-Court Illness Highlights Outbreak

In the third round of the Madrid Open, third-seed Coco Gauff faced Romania’s Sorana Cirstea. After falling a set and a break behind, Gauff left the court to vomit during the second set. She called a medical timeout, recovered, and rallied to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-1. The win advances her to a fourth-round clash with 13th seed Linda Noskova, who received a walkover after 20th seed Liudmila Samsonova withdrew, also reportedly due to the virus.

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The incident occurred amid reports that a stomach virus was circulating in the locker rooms of the Spanish capital. Iga Swiatek withdrew during her third-round match with Ann Li and said the virus was circulating in the locker room after she withdrew. Liudmila Samsonova’s withdrawal added another confirmed case. Jannik Sinner, who advanced to the fourth round, noted that players share dining rooms and gym facilities, creating conditions for rapid transmission.

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The outbreak has directly impacted several top competitors: Coco Gauff (USA, third seed), Iga Swiatek (Poland, former champion), Liudmila Samsonova (Russia, 20th seed), and Sorana Cirstea (Romania, opponent of Gauff). Linda Noskova (Czech Republic, 13th seed) advanced without playing due to Samsonova’s withdrawal. Jannik Sinner (Italy, fourth seed) remains healthy but has publicly addressed the risk environment.

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Gauff told Sky Sports that she was unsure how she contracted the illness, struggled to keep food down, and felt better after vomiting, which she described as a “tough match” and attributed to the “Madrid stomach virus.” Gauff also emphasized that she rarely falls ill, describing her situation as a bout of bad luck. Sinner explained that he limits his time at the venue, arrives early on match days, and practices late, but acknowledged that close proximity in dining and gym areas facilitates the spread of germs.

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The sources do not contain any criticism of tournament officials or opposition to the handling of the outbreak.

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• “I don't know how I got it done,” — Coco Gauff, third seed, USA

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• “Just dealing with a lot of trying to keep my food down.” — Coco Gauff

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• “It was just a tough match.” — Coco Gauff

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• “I don't spend a lot of time here.” — Jannik Sinner, fourth seed, Italy

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Gauff will face Linda Noskova in the fourth round while tournament officials monitor the health situation. Noskova’s advance came after Samsonova’s withdrawal, and tournament organizers have pledged ongoing health monitoring. Players have indicated heightened caution in shared facilities.

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