Coco Gauff battled through illness to secure a spot in the last 16 of the Madrid Open, defeating Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday. The American third seed, who had been struggling with a stomach bug, showed resilience and determination on the clay court.
A Tough Match for Gauff
Gauff, 21, took a medical timeout in the second set after visibly struggling with her condition. She received treatment from the tournament doctor but managed to regain her composure and close out the match in straight sets. The victory sets up a potential clash with fellow American Madison Keys, who later defeated China's Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 7-5.
Gauff's Illness and Recovery
Speaking after the match, Gauff admitted she had been feeling unwell for a couple of days. 'I woke up this morning and felt terrible, but I wanted to give it a shot,' she said. 'I'm glad I could push through and get the win.' The world number three praised the Madrid crowd for their support, which helped her stay focused during difficult moments.
Next Challenge Awaits
In the round of 16, Gauff will face either Madison Keys or another opponent, depending on results. With her illness hopefully behind her, she will look to build on this gritty performance. The Madrid Open continues to be a key preparation event for the French Open, where Gauff is a top contender.
Other Results from Madrid
In other matches, top seed Iga Swiatek cruised past Irina-Camelia Begu 6-2, 6-2, while defending champion Aryna Sabalenka overcame a tough challenge from Emma Raducanu 7-5, 6-4. The tournament has seen several upsets, with Gauff's win being one of the most hard-fought.
