Full Breakdown
Sabalenka's Comeback and Health Concerns Shape Day 7 of the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open
4/28/2026, 4:51:43 AM
Sabalenka's Comeback Victory Over Osaka
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka rallied from a set and a break down to defeat Naomi Osaka 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-2 in the fourth round of the Mutua Madrid Open. The win was her 15th straight victory of 2026 and her ninth consecutive triumph in Madrid, preserving her defence.
Health Concerns and Player Illnesses
A virus or food-poisoning outbreak affected competitors. Coco Gauff vomited on court during her win over Sorana Cîrstea, and Marin Cîlic withdrew after confirming food poisoning. Rumors linked the illness to shrimp tacos, prompting Sabalenka to emphasize a diet of chicken, rice and salad.
Player Withdrawals and Line-Calling Dispute
Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the event citing a right-wrist injury, leaving the draw open. World No. 2 Elena Rybakina publicly questioned the reliability of Madrid’s electronic line-calling after a disputed point against Zheng Qinwen, stating she would not trust the system.
Other Notable Round-16 Matchups
The Round of 16 featured several contests. No. 8 seed Mirra Andreeva (9-1 on clay) met Anna Bondar (9-2 on clay), with Andreeva praised for baseline depth. Ann Li, leading head-to-head 2-0 over Leylah Fernandez, entered after a retirement win over Swiatek. Marta Kostyuk, on an eight-match clay streak, faced Caty McNally, whose only prior meeting was a Kostyuk win.
Data & Statistics
Sabalenka’s win came 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-2. Betting odds listed Andreeva at –752 (?88 % implied win probability) against Galfi (+475). Andreeva’s 2024-25 clay record is 16-4, with 72 % service-game wins and 56.9 % break-point conversion. Galfi is 3-3 on clay, winning 69.7 % of service games and converting 39.6 % of break points (rank 127). Rybakina is world No. 2.
Official Statements & Responses
Aryna Sabalenka said she avoids tacos, sticks to chicken, rice and salad, and limits time on the Caja Mágica courts while taking vitamin C. She added she “didn’t give up” and pushed “until the very last point.” Marin Cîlic confirmed his withdrawal was due to food poisoning.
Criticism & Opposition
Elena Rybakina said she will not trust Madrid’s electronic line-calling after a disputed ace call against Zheng Qinwen, noting the system showed no mark matching the TV replay.
Verbatim Quotes
"So far, so good. I heard that I have to avoid those tacos (laughing). I stick to the same food, same meal that I've been having since the very beginning of the tournament." — Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 1
"I'm really happy that I didn't give up and I was pushing until the very last point." — Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 1
"Well with this thing, I won't trust it at all. Because there was no mark even close to what the TV showed." — Elena Rybakina, World No. 2
"Unfortunately, I got food poisoning." — Marin Cîlic, Professional tennis player
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Sabalenka’s match length: the BBC lists two hours 20 minutes, Reuters two hours 22 minutes. No source identifies the exact cause of the virus or food-poisoning outbreak.
What's Next
Sabalenka advances to a quarter-final against American Hailey Baptiste. The open draw now includes Anna Bondar, Ann Li, Marta Kostyuk and other qualifiers awaiting their next opponents.
