A stomach virus tearing through the 2026 Madrid Open locker room claimed another victim Monday, when Coco Gauff fell to Linda Noskova 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 in the Round of 16.
Gauff battled illness just 24 hours earlier during her third-round victory over Sorana Cirstea, vomiting on court before rallying to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-1. The world No. 3 took a medical timeout during that match after throwing up into a courtside bin.
"I don't know how I got it done," Gauff said after defeating Cirstea. "Just dealing with a lot of trying to keep my food down. I think I got the Madrid stomach virus that's going around."
The illness forced several high-profile withdrawals at this year's Madrid Open. No. 4 Iga Świątek retired mid-match against Ann Li in the third round Saturday, citing "zero stability and zero energy." Liudmila Samsonova withdrew before facing Noskova in the third round Sunday, handing the Czech player a walkover into the Round of 16.
Madison Keys also withdrew from the tournament due to illness.
No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka appears to have avoided the virus. The defending champion rallied from a set down to defeat Japan's Naomi Osaka 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-2 in Monday's Round of 16.
Gauff withdrew from her doubles match Sunday to preserve energy for her singles clash with Noskova. Despite holding a 2-0 career record against the 13th seed, Gauff couldn't overcome the physical toll from her illness. She lost the third-set tiebreak after splitting the first two sets.
How to Watch the Madrid Open 2026
The Madrid Open runs through Saturday on Tennis Channel.
