The reigning French Open champion appeared in serious discomfort during the match, even vomiting on court and requiring medical attention in the second set. Despite trailing by a set and a break, Gauff mounted a determined comeback to win 4–6, 7–5, 6–1 and book her place in the fourth round in Madrid.
Her physical struggles were evident as she called for the physio and had her blood pressure checked by a doctor mid-match. The American later suggested she may have been affected by an illness circulating among players at the tournament—an issue that has already forced withdrawals from several top names, including Iga Swiatek, Marin Cilic, and Madison Keys.
“I was just trying to finish the match,” Gauff said afterward, admitting she was unsure how she managed to pull through. She explained that after being sick on court, she felt some relief and was able to continue competing point by point.
Beyond the physical challenge, the match also featured a moment of friction. Cirstea raised concerns to umpire Kader Nouni, accusing Gauff’s coaching box of being overly vocal and distracting during play. The umpire, however, responded that he did not detect any coaching violations.
Gauff later credited the clay surface for helping her stay competitive despite not feeling at her best. The slower pace and higher bounce, she noted, gave her more time to react during rallies.
Looking ahead, Gauff is set to face Linda Noskova in the next round, after the Czech advanced via walkover following the illness-related withdrawal of Liudmila Samsonova.
In a tournament already disrupted by health concerns, Gauff’s gritty performance stands out—not just for the result, but for the sheer determination required to achieve it.