Viral illness rocks Serena Williams, other players at Indian Wells

The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells is arguably the most prestigious non-Slam tournament on the tennis schedule, but once again in 2019, several players have been forced out of the tournament while battling a virus.

Serena Williams retired from her third-round match with Garbine Muguruza in the second set, citing “extreme dizziness.” Williams had lost the first set, 6-3, but made an attempt to continue in the second set after being attended to by trainers.

Serena: “Before the match I did not feel great, & then it just got worse w/ every second; extreme dizziness & extreme fatigue. By the score, it might have looked like I started well, but I was not feeling at all well physically.

1/2#BNPPO19

— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) March 11, 2019

On Monday, 11-seed Anastasija Sevastova could not continue playing after going down 0-5 in the first set. The WTA announced that Sevastova’s reason for retirement was also a viral illness.

Anastasija Sevastova has been forced to retire from her match.

Anett Kontaveit is through to the @BNPPARIBASOPEN 4th round, 5-0 (ret). pic.twitter.com/AND0cByLlm

— WTA (@WTA) March 11, 2019

On the men’s side, Alexander Zverev lost in straight sets to Jan-Lennard Struff, and said after his match that he picked up a virus somewhere.

Zverev in press: "As I said, I have been sick for a week. That hasn't changed, unfortunately."

— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) March 11, 2019

Back in 2012, a virus rocked the entire Coachella valley, causing several more than a dozen people involved with the tournament to fall ill.

At last count, 9 players (+ ballkids, media members, more) affected by virus at Indian Wells tournament, now the BNP Parasite Open to some.

— Jonathan Scott (@jonscott9) March 13, 2012