Gauff Recovers from Vomiting on Court to Beat Cirstea in Madrid Open Thriller

Coco Gauff produced an incredible display of mental strength to beat Sorana Cirstea 4-6 6-3 7-5 at the Madrid Open, continuing her remarkable season despite suffering from illness on court.

The American, seeded third, looked in trouble when she was broken in the second set and appeared to be physically struggling. At one stage during the second set changeover, Gauff was visibly unwell, eventually vomiting on court.

However, the 20-year-old showed remarkable resilience to compose herself and force a decisive third set. The match lasted 2 hours and 47 minutes, with Gauff eventually clinching victory when Cirstea double-faulted on match point.

"That was probably the hardest match I've ever had to win," Gauff said after the match. "I was feeling really sick and wasn't sure if I could continue. But I just tried to focus on one point at a time."

The victory sets up a fourth-round clash with either Madison Keys or Emma Raducanu. Gauff has now won 15 of her last 17 matches on clay this season, establishing herself as one of the favorites for the title in Madrid.

Cirstea, who had beaten Gauff twice previously, was left to rue missed opportunities after serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set.