Coco Gauff Overcomes Vomiting on Court to Advance at Madrid Open

Coco Gauff powered through illness to defeat Sorana Cirstea 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 at the Madrid Open on Sunday, April 26, 2026, securing her place in the fourth round despite vomiting on court during the match.

The American tennis star, seeded third, received medical attention after throwing up midway through the second set. She later described the incident as “embarrassing” but said she was determined to push through.

“I was just trying not to throw up on the court,” Gauff told reporters. “I did finish up throwing up, which was embarrassing, but I kept fighting.”

Medical staff provided treatment, including medication, which helped her recover. “I did start to feel better in the final set,” she said. “They gave me some pills so that definitely helped, but I was really tired.”

Gauff acknowledged she was battling a virus affecting multiple players in the tournament. “I suppose I got what everybody else is having here in Madrid,” she added. On Saturday, six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek retired from her match due to illness, citing zero energy from a similar virus.

Despite struggling with energy, Gauff regained control after falling behind in the second set and dominated the decider to win. “Honestly, I was just trying to finish the match and one point turned into another,” she said. “I don’t know how I got through it.”

The victory improved her record at the Madrid Open, where she was runner-up in 2024 and 2025 before winning the French Open last year.

Key Takeaways

• Coco Gauff vomited on court during her second-round match against Sorana Cirstea at the Madrid Open on April 26, 2026.
• She won the match 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 after receiving medical treatment for a stomach virus.
• Gauff said she was battling the same illness affecting other players, including Iga Swiatek, who retired due to illness the day before.
• The win advanced Gauff to the fourth round of the tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Coco Gauff during her match at the Madrid Open?

Coco Gauff vomited on court during the second set of her match against Sorana Cirstea on April 26, 2026, due to a stomach virus affecting multiple players at the tournament.

Did Coco Gauff win her match after vomiting on court?

Yes, Gauff defeated Sorana Cirstea 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 to advance to the fourth round of the Madrid Open despite becoming ill during the match.

Was Coco Gauff the only player affected by illness at the Madrid Open?

No, Gauff said she believed she had “what everybody else is having” in Madrid. On the previous day, Iga Swiatek retired from her match due to illness, citing zero energy from a virus.

What did Coco Gauff say about her performance while sick?

Gauff said she was “just trying to finish the match” and didn’t know how she got through it. She added that medical treatment, including pills, helped her feel better by the final set.