“Matteo Berrettini in trouble after the match, concerns about virus in Indian Wells.”

The Indian Wells Open, one of the most anticipated events on the tennis circuit, has already started to make headlines, but not just for the performances on court. Italian Matteo Berrettini, who engaged in a fierce battle against Adrian Mannarino, emerged from the match not only as the winner but also as an athlete on the brink of collapse. After securing a hard-fought victory of 4-6, 7-5, 7-5, Berrettini collapsed in visible pain, requiring medical assistance for nearly five minutes. What followed was an alarming revelation: the tennis player was battling a virus.

“I fought hard, until the last point,” Berrettini stated in his on-court interview. However, what should have been a moment of celebration turned into a source of concern. The player, who is now preparing to face the fourth seed, Alexander Zverev, admitted that his physical condition was not ideal. “At the beginning of the third set, I started to feel cramps. I was a bit surprised, but then I remembered that I had been sick until three days ago, so I thought, ‘Okay, it’s normal,’” Berrettini explained.

In addition to Berrettini’s health status, reports of a virus circulating in the locker rooms are increasing anxiety among players and fans. Zizou Bergs, who recently defeated Jan-Lennard Struff, has also been affected, according to the Belgian athlete’s father. He mentioned that Bergs was sick and that there was a virus threatening the health of the tournament participants.

The history of viruses at Indian Wells is not new. In past years, several athletes have faced outbreaks of flu and other illnesses during the event. A notable case occurred in 2012 when an epidemic affected many competitors, including well-known names like Roger Federer and Victoria Azarenka. Federer, for instance, shared that his family was struggling with an illness during the tournament, while Azarenka also showed signs of discomfort.

We cannot forget the history from 2003 when the Indian Wells Open was shaken by a flu outbreak that caused several players to withdraw, including Marat Safin, who admitted to being ill the night before his match. “I was very sick, weak, vomiting, and had a fever,” Safin revealed.

With the start of 2026 bringing signs of illness once again, the tennis community watches with concern. Fans hope that competitors can stay healthy as the tournament progresses. What unfolds at Indian Wells may not just be a matter of tennis, but rather a battle for health in the sport. The upcoming stages promise not only excitement on the court but also close monitoring of the players’ physical condition.