Gauff Overcomes Illness to Reach Fourth Round
American tennis player Coco Gauff advanced to the fourth round of the Madrid Open after defeating Sorana Cirstea with a score of 4-6, 7-5, 6-1, despite experiencing vomiting on court and battling a virus that has affected many players at the tournament.
Gauff detailed the challenges players have faced in maintaining their health during the event, which has seen a virus spread through the locker rooms and communal areas.
“I think I got a little cocky because I’ve been at tournaments where there were viruses and I never got it,” she said. “I saw it going around, I was like, ‘I’m not going to get it.’ And then here I am. I think it’s hard because you don’t know who’s sick, who’s not. I do a good job at using hand sanitiser and washing my hands and wiping my [training] mats and stuff before I use them. But sometimes some things are just hard to avoid when you’re all in a big building like this and have to pass each other and use the same equipment. Hopefully everybody’s all good by Rome.”
Virus Impact on Players and Tournament
The early rounds of the Madrid Open have been marked by multiple retirements and withdrawals due to illness. Notable players such as Madison Keys, Liudmila Samsonova, and others have ended their participation prematurely. French player Corentin Moutet reported feeling unwell after his second-round loss, and former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova mentioned feeling under the weather during her 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (3) victory over 19th seed Elise Mertens.
One of the most prominent retirements was that of Iga Swiatek, who recorded only her second career retirement during her third-round match against Ann Li. Swiatek commented on the situation, stating:
“There is something going on between players that the virus is somewhere on site, so I’m sure I’ll be fine in a couple of days, but I had zero energy and zero stability.”
Gauff’s On-Court Struggle and Recovery
During her match against Sorana Cirstea, Gauff appeared to be succumbing to the illness when she vomited while trailing 4-6, 3-4. She promptly sought assistance from the trainer, who administered medication to control her nausea. Following treatment, Gauff recovered sufficiently to win the match 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.
Virus Spread and Player Precautions
It is common for viruses to circulate among players at tennis tournaments due to shared facilities and equipment. Initial rumors suggested that shrimp tacos served in the player dining area might be the source of the illnesses; however, officials clarified that a general virus circulating in the city is responsible.
“I didn’t eat the shrimp, so I don’t think it was that,” Gauff said with a smile. “I think it’s just a virus going around between the city, and then I think the players got it. I think I got it from another player that was sick and their locker’s close to mine, so I probably got it from that player. But, yeah, what can you do except just try to get through it? It’s the first time I’ve gotten sick since I’ve been on tour, so I’m not too upset. It’s, like, whatever.”
