Tennis Pros Suffer On-Court Vomiting Spells

The unexpected issue affecting even the fittest athletes.

Professional tennis players, known for peak physical condition, sometimes face unexpected challenges. Recently, the sports world witnessed a recurring issue: players vomiting during matches. This peculiar event highlights the intense demands and pressures of the game.

Zverev’s Mid-Match Episode

The problem isn’t exceedingly rare. Recently, Alexander Zverev, a German tennis professional, experienced a mid-match incident at the Halle Open on June 20. After feeling unwell, he rushed off-court, returning exhausted, and eventually won the match.

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“I felt fine before the match. Then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, I felt really, really bad. I felt ill, went to throw up and then 15 minutes later I felt OK again,”

—Alexander Zverev

The rate of heat exhaustion in professional tennis is around 3.6% each year (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2023). The demanding nature of the sport contributes to these occurrences.

Recurring Incidents

The occurrence of vomiting during matches isn’t new. Frances Tiafoe at the Australian Open in 2025, blamed overhydration for his episode. In 2024, Jack Draper, the British player, vomited multiple times during play, and Peyton Stearns threw up at the Italian Open.

Additionally, Tomas Etcheverry experienced a similar incident during the U.S. Open in 2024. These examples underscore the physical strain tennis players endure and the occasional health challenges they face.

These instances prompt reflection on athlete wellness, and the demanding nature of competitive tennis. The incidents serve as a reminder of human limits, even within the world of elite sports.