Major tournaments are often a picture of grace and athleticism. But behind the scenes at this year’s Mutua Madrid Open, a sprawling medical crisis has been going on. A highly contagious virus has torn through the player field, leaving world-class athletes exhausted. Right in the middle of this mess was Coco Gauff. Despite battling the virus that forced her to vomit on court, Gauff fought back to defeat Romania’s Sorana Cirstea 4-6, 7-5, 6-1. While fans celebrated her fighting spirit, an online fan questioned her integrity, and her father, Corey Gauff, didn’t hold back in responding.
Corey Gauff Calls Out ‘Egg Head’ Troll Accusing Coco Gauff of Faking Illness
In an Instagram comment section under WTA’s post celebrating Coco Gauff’s win, a fan decided to dismiss the world No. 3’s very visible physical distress, writing: “a champion in faking illness, an Oscar for Coco.” Corey Gauff, known for fiercely protecting his daughter, refused to let it slide. “I got time today. I guess you didn’t see throwing up in the garbage with your egg head,” he commented.
After dropping the first set to Cirstea, she required a medical timeout and medication to manage nausea.”When I actually threw up on the court, that was like a little bit embarrassing,” Gauff admitted post-match. “I’m someone who doesn’t like to pull out. I don’t like to do that unless I really feel like I have no other options.”
Meanwhile, there was also a rumor that it was the tournament’s catering, a bad batch of shrimp tacos, but Gauff smiled and clarified: “I didn’t eat the shrimp, so I don’t think it was that. I think it’s just a virus going around the city… I think I got it from another player that was sick and their locker’s close to mine.”
MORE: Madrid Open Health Scare: Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, and Several Stars Fall Victim to Mystery Illness
Over 30 players across the men’s and women’s draws have been forced to withdraw or retire mid-match due to this virus. Iga Świątek had to walk away, feeling terrible with “zero energy and zero stability.” Marin Cilic cited severe food poisoning, while Madison Keys and Liudmila Samsonova also packed their bags early. The Madrid Open officials have yet to release a formal statement addressing the issue or identifying its root cause.
Seeing how she managed her discomfort on the court, there’s no denying that Gauff’s resilience is on another level. Next up, in the Round of 16, she is scheduled to face No. 13 seed Linda Nosková later today.
