Coco Gauff vomited on court at the Madrid Open but managed to avoid the same fate as Iga Swiatek, who withdrew from the tournament due to a stomach virus. The American third seed struggled during her third-round match against Romania's Sorana Cirstea, dashing to the side of the court to be sick during the second set.
Gauff's recovery
After calling a medical timeout, Gauff turned the contest around to win 4-6 7-5 6-1. Speaking to Sky Sports, she said: "I don't know how I got it done. Just dealing with a lot of trying to keep my food down. But once I threw up – and I was able to throw up after the first set – I felt a bit better."
She added: "It was just a tough match. I think I got the Madrid stomach virus that's going around. I'm usually someone who doesn't get sick. My luck today just wasn't good."
Virus affects other players
Swiatek revealed on Saturday that a stomach virus was affecting players in the Spanish capital after she withdrew during the third set of her match against Ann Li. Gauff will now face 13th seed Linda Noskova in the fourth round. The Czech player benefited from a walkover on Sunday, with 20th seed Liudmila Samsonova apparently another victim of the virus.
Jannik Sinner, the Italian top seed, dropped a set in his opening match but comfortably beat qualifier Elmer Moller 6-2 6-3 to reach the fourth round. Sinner is taking precautions, saying: "I heard (there were) many withdrawals. I don't spend a lot of time here. I come match days a little bit earlier, but practice days very late. I practise and then I get away."
The victory was Sinner's 19th in a row as he chases a record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title. Sixth seed Lorenzo Musetti saw off Tallon Griekspoor 6-4 7-5, while in-form Frenchman Arthur Fils also advanced to the fourth round.
