“I don’t like to pull out”: Coco Gauff explains decision to continue through illness in Madrid
WTAMonday, 27 April 2026 at 08:30
Coco Gauff’s win over Sorana Cirstea at the Madrid Open included a visible physical episode in which she vomited mid-match, but her post-match explanation focused on how she managed the situation rather than the incident itself. Across a two-hour, 21-minute contest, the American adjusted her objectives, shifting from structured play to basic point-by-point survival.
Once symptoms appeared during the first set, Gauff simplified her approach. The match became a sequence of isolated points, with reduced intensity and limited physical expenditure. Her priority was to stay on court and continue competing, rather than maintaining her usual level of execution.
That adjustment shaped the result. Gauff remained competitive without sustained control, relying on short patterns and error tolerance to progress. The win moves her into the Round of 16, but her account centred on the decisions taken during the match rather than the level produced.
She will next face Linda Noskova, who advanced via walkover, placing additional attention on Gauff’s recovery after a physically demanding performance.
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“The plan was always to finish”: Gauff explains in-match adjustment
Gauff described a clear shift in mindset once her condition changed. The match became a process of managing points individually, removing any broader tactical structure and focusing on basic execution.
"I was just trying to finish the match, and have one point turn into another. I'm just going to try to push through ... It was a weird feeling today. I don't know how I got through it."
The decision to continue was consistent with her general approach. Gauff indicated that withdrawal is not considered unless no alternative remains, even when physical performance is compromised. "When I actually threw up on the court, that was a little bit embarrassing," the world No. 3 said in press conference. "Then after that first game and the second, I was like that took everything out of me."
"I'm someone who doesn't like to pull out of matches. I don't like to do that unless I really feel like I have no other options. So the plan was to always just try to finish, even if it ended up with me just playing to get through it."
Illness context present as Madrid draw affected
Illness has impacted multiple players during the Madrid Open, including withdrawals from Madison Keys and Marin Cilic, as well as Iga Swiatek’s retirement against Ann Li. The pattern has influenced the draw, with several matches decided before completion.
Gauff’s case fits within that context but differs in outcome. While others withdrew, her decision was to continue under reduced capacity, prioritising completion over performance level.
Swiatek outlined the severity of symptoms affecting players this week, reinforcing the conditions in which Gauff’s match took place. “I'm sure I'll be fine in a couple of days, but I had zero energy. I just felt really bad physically and yesterday, even worse," the 6-time Grand Slam champion said. "The symptoms are not something you want to hear about," she concluded.
Recovery remains key ahead of Noskova match
Gauff indicated that the symptoms developed without clear warning, beginning mid-match despite feeling stable earlier in the day. Medical treatment provided partial relief, but fatigue and nausea remained factors throughout the contest.
Her description frames the match as a physical management exercise, with the primary objective being to avoid further disruption during play. "I don't know how I got through that. I felt fine all this morning. I felt a little weird last night, but I was okay. Woke up this morning, felt fine. And mid-first set, I was feeling like I was going to throw up. And then I did.
"They gave me some pills and that definitely helped. After that, once I felt the feeling of throwing up, then I just felt nauseous and tired. I just didn't want to throw up in the middle of the point, which I almost did at one point."
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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