Coco Gauff’s match against Sorana Cristea at the 2026 Madrid Open was wild and chaotic due to several reasons. In the end, Gauff overcame medical issues to win the match in three sets, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1, and advance to the Round of 16.
From alleged food poisoning to Cirstea having an intense chat with the chair umpire over Gauff’s coaching team, the match was full-on drama.
What Happened In Coco Gauff’s Madrid Open Match Today?
Sorana Cirstea Complained About Coco Gauff’s Coaching Team
In the first set, around 4-3, Sorana Cirstea approached the chair umpire to complain about Coco Gauff’s coaching team. According to her, they were “screaming in my ear” and giving constant instructions.
“Her coach is screaming from that end, ‘Come on, aggressive, let’s go, do this all game long, come on, forehand, backhand, first serve’, this is coaching!” she told chair umpire Kader Nouni. “Because I’m there and they are bothering me because they are screaming in my ear.”
The umpire didn’t take any action whatsoever after hearing Cirstea’s complaint, though.
“For me, I do not hear any coaching,” the umpire replied.
Gauff Fell Ill Mid-Match Due to Possible Food Poisioning
During her match against Sorana Cirstea, Coco Gauff was clearly struggling physically. She even lost the first set. Later, the two-time Grand Slam champion admitted that she was “trying not to throw up on the court” during the match. In the second set, she vomited on the court and she found the moment “embarrassing.”
Earlier, rumors were made that Gauff had picked up food poisoning as several players from the tournament carried the same symptoms.
Gauff received medical attention after the vomiting. Her blood pressure was also checked by the medical personnel.
Gauff continued with the match, and the medical intervention appeared to have worked in her favor. Despite being down a set and a break, Gauff rallied back to win the game in three sets.
Coco Gauff Ruled Out Food Poisoning
In her post-match interview, Coco Gauff ruled out food poisoning. She said it was likely a virus spreading around the tournament and city.
“I think I got what everybody else is having here in Madrid, unfortunately. So I’m just going to try to push through for tomorrow,” she said.
Apart from Gauff in the Madrid Open, Iga Świątek withdrew mid-match due to illness. Others like Madison Keys and Marin Čilić have also struggled with the same.
“It was a weird feeling today. I don’t know how I got through it,” Gauff added. “I’m not someone who likes to pull out so I didn’t want to pull out again today. I’m glad that I was able to get through it.”
Next up, Coco Gauff will face Linda Noskova in the Round of 16.
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