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Mutua Madrid Open misery: Coco Gauff is latest to get sick
TL;DR
Illness has impacted the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open, causing several players, including Coco Gauff, to withdraw or compete while sick. Notable withdrawals include Madison Keys, Marin Cilic, and Iga Swiatek.
Key points
- Illness is a major issue at the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open.
- Coco Gauff played while sick and won her match.
- Several top players have withdrawn from the tournament.
Coco GauffMadison KeysMarin CilicIga Swiatek
Illness has quickly become the biggest tennis story of the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open. It has claimed many big names forced to withdraw. Madison Keys, Marin Cilic, and Iga Swiatek have already exited the tournament prematurely because of it.
On Sunday, Liudmila Samsonova withdrew before her third round match against Linda Noskova.
Coco Gauff battled through sickness to defeat Sorana Cirstea, but it was touch-and-go during the three set match. After the match, she hinted to Cirstea that if she wanted to tap racquets instead of shaking hands, that would be okay. Cirstea opted for the quick handshake.
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Why is everyone sick at this year’s Mutua Madrid Open?
The locker rooms are petri dishes for germs to circulate. In the earlier rounds, there are many players around and in close proximity to one another.
Jim Courier said on Tennis Channel that one culprit was food poisoning which Cilic cited when he withdrew.
Courier somehow knows that shrimp tacos seemingly served onsite were the issue. It is unclear if that is the cause for everyone’s sickness, but it could be a contributing factor.
The pollen and blooms blowing on the clay court while the players are in action does not help if the illnesses are sinus-related.
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Q&A
What illness is affecting players at the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open?
The specific illness affecting players at the tournament has not been detailed, but it has led to multiple withdrawals.
Which top players have withdrawn from the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open due to illness?
Madison Keys, Marin Cilic, and Iga Swiatek are among the top players who have withdrawn from the tournament due to illness.
How did Coco Gauff perform at the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open despite being sick?
Coco Gauff managed to defeat Sorana Cirstea in a three-set match, although she struggled with her health during the game.
