Madrid Open: Stomach virus concerns for Sabalenka after Coco Gauff and Marin Cilic fall ill

A bout of stomach illness has moved through the Madrid Open draw, troubling several players and raising fresh worries at the tournament. Coco Gauff and Marin Cilic were among those affected, with a few others also reporting problems.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka said the situation influenced how Sabalenka handled food and time spent at the venue.

Players traded rumours that shrimp tacos may have caused the issue, though no cause was confirmed. Sabalenka said meals stayed basic during the event. "So far, so good. I heard that I have to avoid those tacos laughing. I stick to the same food, same meal that Ive been having since the very beginning of the tournament."

Madrid Open illness concerns for Sabalenka, Gauff and Cilic

Sabalenka said the approach included leaving the Caja Magica site quickly and adding supplements. "I try not to stay for too long," she said. "Extra vitamin C, I guess, extra IM8, and Im good to go, hopefully." Sabalenka also said the diet was chicken breast, rice and salad.

Some players dealt with sharper effects during matches. Gauff vomited on court while beating Sorana Cirstea on Sunday. Cilic pulled out of a Friday match against João Fonseca. "Unfortunately, I got food poisoning," Cilic said. "After trying to recover all night my body is unfortunately exhausted and not at the proper level to get into the battle."

Madrid Open results: Sabalenka fightback and quarterfinal place

On Monday (April 27), Sabalenka survived a strong test from Naomi Osaka in the fourth round. Sabalenka came back from a set and a break down. Sabalenka beat No. 15 Osaka 6-7 1, 6-3, 6-2 in 2 hours, 20 minutes. The result kept Sabalenka on course to defend the title.

"Oh my God, that was an incredible level," Sabalenka said. "She played incredible tennis. I feel like I just got lucky in a couple of shots in the third set, thats why it went that fast. Im happy she brought that fight, I had to fight through to level up my game."

Sabalenka extended a long run of form with the victory. It was a 15th straight win and a 17th consecutive quarterfinal. Sabalenka has not lost before that round since February 2025 in Dubai. "Im really happy that I didnt give up and I was pushing until the very last point," Sabalenka said.

Madrid Open quarterfinal: Hailey Baptiste after tiebreak drama

Sabalenka next plays American Hailey Baptiste, who beat Belinda Bencic 6-1, 6-7 14, 6-3. The WTA said the second-set breaker was the longest tour-level regular tiebreaker since 2024. Baptiste broke a racket on a leg after missing six match points, including five in the tiebreaker.

Baptiste, ranked 32nd, recovered to close out the match in 2 hours, 42 minutes. Baptiste dropped the second set after holding match chances, then reset in the decider. The win placed Baptiste into the next round, where the task now becomes facing the top seed.

Madrid Open technology debate: Rybakina questions electronic line calls

World No. 2 Elena Rybakina raised concerns about electronic line calling in Madrid during a match with Zheng Qinwen. Rybakina protested after Zheng was given an ace in the second set. Rybakina said the ball mark looked out, but the chair umpire backed the system and would not check the mark.

"Well with this thing, I wont trust it at all," Rybakina said. "Because there was no mark even close to what the TV showed." Rybakina linked it to Alexander Zverev’s 2024 dispute in Madrid. "You cant not see it," Rybakina said. "Its kind of a stolen point. I understand it was her serve and she was serving really well, but its really frustrating."

Madrid Open Spanish players: Jódar lone home hope after exits

Spain’s field narrowed on Monday after two losses. Daniel Mérida fell to Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-2. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina lost to defending champion Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-1. That left 19-year-old Rafael Jódar as the only Spaniard still in the tournament.

Jódar advanced after a three-set win over Fonseca, another teenage player. Spain’s leading player, World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, was not in the draw. Alcaraz withdrew because of a right wrist injury, removing a key home contender and shifting attention to the remaining younger names.

Several points also drew notice for unusual patterns. Against Davidovich Fokina, Ruud won a 32-shot exchange after 15 straight lobs from the Spaniard. In another match, Francisco Cerundolo won a point by reaching over the net on a high ball that spun back. Cerundolo beat Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-3.

With inputs from PTI