Madrid — The Mutua Madrid Open 2026 has been hit by a mysterious illness sweeping through the tournament, with multiple players reporting severe symptoms during matches. Among those affected was American star Coco Gauff, who struggled through her third-round match against Sorana Cirstea before ultimately withdrawing.
Gauff described feeling unwell during the contest, saying she believed she had contracted the same virus affecting other players on tour. “I think I got what everyone else is getting,” she told reporters after the match, noting nausea and fatigue that impacted her performance.
The illness first drew attention when Polish star Iga Świątek was forced to retire from her match due to sudden vomiting, sparking concerns about a potential outbreak in the player village. Since then, several other athletes have reported similar gastrointestinal issues, raising questions about the source and spread of the illness.
Despite the health concerns, the tournament continues to feature top talent, with Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, and Iga Świątek listed among the stars competing in Madrid this year. Organizers have not released an official statement on the situation, but medical staff are reportedly monitoring players closely.
The outbreak adds an unexpected layer of uncertainty to the clay-court event, which typically draws the world’s best as a key warm-up ahead of the French Open. For now, the focus remains on player safety as officials work to contain the illness and minimize disruption to the competition.
