Despite being very sick, Coco Gauff managed to grind out a tough 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 win against Sorana Cirstea and guarantee herself a spot in the Madrid Open last 16.
It is clear at many points of the match that the US star was not feeling well, as she even vomited on the court and had to have a medical timeout before coming back to win after more than two hours. Gauff later confided that she had been hit by the stomach virus, which is the reason why quite a few players in the tournament have been dropping out.
This virus has already thrown the draw off balance, as Iga Swiatek had to retire during the match, and Marin Cilic did not even come out for his second-round match. Liudmila Samsonova also withdrew before her match.
Nevertheless, Gauff did not give up but rather slowly got better throughout the match. Her next opponent will be Linda Noskova. Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula was defeated in two sets by Marta Kostyuk, ending her series of wins.
On the men’s side, the world number one Jannik Sinner kept showing his great form as he scored an easy 6-2, 6-3 victory, going on to win 19 matches in a row as he proceeds through the levels of Madrid.
