Jannik Sinner (Image Via Getty)
The Madrid Open has been dealing with an unexpected problem as several top players have fallen sick because of a stomach virus that has been spreading around the tournament. Big names like Iga Swiatek, Marin Cilic, Madison Keys, Liudmila Samsonova, and Coco Gauff have all faced health issues during the event, creating concern inside the tennis world.While many players have struggled, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has managed to stay safe. The Italian star recently explained that he follows a simple routine to avoid getting sick. He said he spends very little time at the venue unless it is absolutely needed. With players staying close together in gyms, dining rooms, and practice areas, Sinner believes keeping distance is the best way to stay protected.
Jannik Sinner says staying away from crowded areas is helping him avoid the Madrid Open virus
During his press conference, Jannik Sinner spoke honestly about the situation and shared why he has not been affected by the stomach bug so far.
He said he usually arrives late for practice sessions and leaves quickly once his work is done.Sinner explained that he does not spend extra time inside the tournament grounds because illnesses can spread fast when players are constantly close to each other.He said, “I heard many withdrawals. I don’t spend a lot of time here. I come match days a bit earlier but practice days very late. I practice and then get away. This is what I do every tournament.
So I don’t know if it’s something what we are just around here in general, but you notice that when one gets sick, you know… you are always quite high close to each other, you know in the dining rooms, in the gyms, so yeah, it can happen.”Coco Gauff also dealt with the illness during her match against Sorana Cirstea, where she needed medical help after feeling sick on court. Iga Swiatek had to retire from her match against Ann Li after later saying she was suffering from food poisoning.
Marin Cilic also pulled out before his match against Joao Fonseca.Away from the illness concerns, Sinner also spoke about returning to World No. 1 after winning the Monte-Carlo Masters title against Carlos Alcaraz. Speaking to ESPN, he said the ranking feels special, but his main focus is still winning tournaments.He said, “Getting back to No. 1 means a lot to me. At the same, as I always say, the ranking is secondary. I’m very happy to win at least one big trophy on this surface. I haven’t done it before, so it means a lot to me.”Sinner will next face Cameron Norrie in the Round of 16 as he continues his Madrid Open campaign.
