Gauff Overcomes Vomiting on Court to Reach Madrid Open Fourth Round
Gauff Overcomes Vomiting on Court to Reach Madrid Open Fourth Round
Coco Gauff battles a stomach illness and vomits on court, then rallies to defeat Sorana Cirstea and advance at Madrid Open.
Coco Gauff battled through illness to keep her Madrid Open campaign alive, advancing to the fourth round after a dramatic win over Sorana Cirstea. The American, ranked No. 3, dropped the first set 4-6 but fought back to take the next two 7-5, 6-1 in a grueling three-setter on Sunday.
Midway through the second set, Gauff vomited on the court. She later admitted it was embarrassing but said she had no idea how she managed to keep going, adding that the moment took a lot out of her.
After that rocky moment, she steadied herself, rallied in the second set, grabbing critical games to level at a set apiece and then pulling away in the decider.
Several players in Madrid have been affected by a stomach virus, underscoring how unpredictable conditions can be at this early-season clay swing.
Her perseverance underscored why she remains one of the tour's most watched players, keeping her Madrid Open title hopes alive as the tournament heads toward the later rounds.
