World No. 1 stays strong as illness sidelines Swiatek, Gauff and others in Madrid Open
Madrid
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka stayed on course to defend her title at the Madrid Open, overcoming a tough challenge from Naomi Osaka while several top players were hit by a mysterious stomach virus sweeping through the tournament.
Sabalenka defeated Osaka 6-7 (1), 6-3, 6-2 in a gripping fourth-round match on Monday, extending her winning streak to 15 matches and reaching yet another WTA quarterfinal. Despite dropping the first set, the Belarusian regrouped strongly to dominate the final two sets.
However, much of the attention in Madrid has shifted off the court due to a health scare affecting multiple players. Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff and Marin Čilić were among those reportedly affected by a stomach virus or possible food poisoning.
The outbreak has sparked concern in the locker rooms, with rumours suggesting contaminated food—possibly shrimp tacos—could be responsible.
Sabalenka, however, has so far avoided any illness and said she is taking strict precautions with her diet.
“So far, so good. I stick to the same food—chicken breast, rice and salad,” she said, adding that she is avoiding eating at the venue and limiting her time at the Caja Mágica complex.
“I try not to stay for too long. Extra vitamin C, extra supplements, and I’m good to go,” she added with a laugh.
The virus has already forced Świątek to withdraw from her match, while Gauff appeared visibly unwell during her loss to Linda Nosková, despite briefly continuing to compete after vomiting on court in an earlier round.
Men’s star Marin Čilić also withdrew, citing food poisoning, further underlining the scale of the issue affecting players.
On court, Sabalenka credited her resilience and mental strength for surviving a high-quality battle against Osaka.
“She played incredible tennis. I had to fight until the last point,” Sabalenka said.
The Belarusian now advances to face Hailey Baptiste in the quarterfinals, as she continues her bid for back-to-back Madrid Open titles amid unusual and challenging circumstances.