Madrid Open Field Collapses as Record 31 Players Withdraw Amid Viral Outbreaks and Illness

The 2026 Madrid Open faces a crisis as 31 players, including Swiatek and Alcaraz, withdraw. Explore the impact of the locker room virus and mass retirements.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 3:30 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

A Tournament Decimated by Medical Departures

The structural integrity of the Madrid Open draw has been severely tested as the total number of exits reached a historic peak of 31 participants. Following a wave of early-round pullouts, the trend accelerated through the weekend with high-ranking competitors forced to abandon their campaigns. This mass exodus includes 17 women and 14 men, creating a chaotic schedule as tournament organizers struggle to fill vacancies with lucky losers and alternates. The sheer volume of departures has reshaped the competitive landscape, leaving several top seeds out of the running before the second week begins.

The Viral Contagion Targeting the Women’s Locker Room

The WTA side of the event has been particularly hard-hit by a suspected virus circulating on-site. Fourth seed and former champion Iga Swiatek became the most prominent casualty on Saturday when she retired during her third-set decider against Ann Li. Swiatek is not alone in her struggle, as world number 20 Liudmila Samsonova followed suit by withdrawing before her third-round match with Linda Noskova, also citing illness. These exits added to a list that already included Madison Keys and Clara Tauson, the latter of whom was replaced by Anna Blinkova just before her opening match.

Gastrointestinal Issues and Strategic Pullouts on the Men’s Side

The ATP draw has faced its own unique set of medical challenges, headlined by the withdrawal of 51st-ranked Marin Cilic. The veteran professional was forced to concede his second-round match against Joao Fonseca due to a reported case of food poisoning. While Cilic’s exit was sudden, the tournament was already missing its biggest attractions, as world number two Carlos Alcaraz and world number four Novak Djokovic opted out before the draw was finalized. These high-level vacancies allowed players like Sebastian Ofner and Adam Walton to enter the main draw as replacements, though the lack of star power has been palpable.