A gastrointestinal virus has wreaked havoc with the Indian Wells Tennis Masters event. Through the weekend, several players have already withdrawn from the tournament because of the IW bug.

Today, after losing the first set Former French Open champion champion Francesca Schiavone had to pull out of the event because of the virus. The Italian joins an alarming list of players to succumb to the bug including Gael Monfils, Jurgen Melzer, Andreas Seppi, Magdalena Rybarikova and Vania King. Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova who lost yesterday to teenage American Christina McHale, withdrew from her doubles today with symptoms of the virus.

World No. 3 Roger Federer said he and his family were also hit by the bug an addition to the flu.

“I have a bit of a combination,”Federer said after a 6-4, 6-1 win over Denis Kudla. “Not terrible temperature, but I have some things going on. But I’m best off from the family, so thank God I’m the tennis player here. No, the rest of them are struggling much more.”

American Bethanie Mattek-Sands says she also has the bug.

According to the Palm Desert Sun, the local Eisenhower Medical Center has seen a 15 percent increase of patient issues with vomiting, nausea et al during the past week. The center recommends water, rest for 24-48 hours, antibacterial gel/spray and limit sun exposure.

Filed under: Indian Wells
Tags: Francesca Schiavone, Petra Kvitova, Roger Federer