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Aryna Sabalenka is hoping to avoid picking up the dreaded virus going around the Madrid Open as she continues her title defence. The world No. 1 is through to the quarter-finals and is now three wins away from reclaiming the trophy - and she's hoping she won't suffer the same fate as some of her rivals.

Former champion Iga Swiatek was forced to retire mid-match on Saturday and left the court in tears, later admitting she'd been unwell for two days. She had her vitals checked shortly before quitting the match. And No. 3 seed Coco Gauff vomited on court on Sunday, also having her blood pressure taken, though she was able to play on, but lost a day later in the fourth round.

They aren't the only ones who have fallen unwell this fortnight. Marin Cilic, Madison Keys and Liudmila Samsonova have all pulled out of the tournament due to illness. Jim Courier of Tennis Channel has reported that some shrimp tacos have given some players food poisoning, while Swiatek said a virus was also going around.

Following her retirement, the world No. 4 said: "The last two days were pretty terrible. I think I have some virus, so it's been some hours, fine, some hours, pretty bad. So I heard there is something going on between players that the virus is somewhere on site."

In a TikTok comment, Gauff also revealed that she hadn't eaten any shrimp, so wasn't sure what happened to her during her dramatic three-set victory over Sorana Cirstea on Sunday. The American ultimately lost in the last 16. She led Linda Noskova 4-1 in the final set but lost 6-4 1-6 7-6(5).

And Sabalenka is now trying to avoid falling ill altogether by limiting her time on site and sticking to a strict diet. "So far, so good. I heard that I have to avoid those tacos," the top seed laughed, knocking on wood to try and will on some good fortune.

"I stick to the same food, same meal that I've been having since the very beginning of the tournament. I try not to stay for too long on site. Extra vitamin C, I guess, extra IM8, and I'm good to go, hopefully."

There is no shrimp on the menu for Sabalenka in Madrid. Instead, she's sticking to chicken breast, rice, and salad. "Pretty simple," she smiled.

The top seed still found herself in a spot of bother on Monday as she had to battle back from a set and break down to beat Naomi Osaka 6-7(1) 6-3 6-2. "I think I played quite well. I think I just dropped my level at the end of the first set and gave her that tiebreak quite easily," Sabalenka later explained.

"But overall I'm happy with my performance. When someone put me under pressure, I was able to pull out really incredible shots and incredible tennis. So I'm happy. I'm happy that she actually brought that fight, just so I could fight through it, I could struggle a little bit, and find a solution in the match. So, overall happy."

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