Police in London are investigating the case of a teenage tennis player who withdrew from her match at Wimbledon last month after falling ill, and they suspect she was poisoned with rat urine.
18-year-old Gabriella Taylor, a British junior player, retired during the second set of her quarterfinals match in the girls’ tournament after falling ill. She was down 4-6, 1-1 when she withdrew.
Initially thought to be the victim of food poisoning, Taylor clarified via Twitter last month that her illness was due to a virus:
Just to clarify, I have been struggling with a virus these few days, not food poisoning, forcing me to retire today. pic.twitter.com/HZxiFk2R4O
— Gabriella Taylor (@gabitaylorr) July 7, 2016
Taylor spent four days in intensive care in the hospital before finally starting to recover.
She finally stepped back onto a court on Wednesday — over a month later — the same day The Telegraph explained the circumstances surrounding her illness.
So happy to be back on court!! Taking it step by step! @WilsonTennis @BritishTennis #sunin myeyes pic.twitter.com/R8xaJDmry6
— Gabriella Taylor (@gabitaylorr) August 10, 2016
The Telegraph says Taylor was diagnosed with Leptospirois, a bacteria that can be transmitted via rat urine. Police have launched a criminal investigation into the case. They believe Taylor may have been poisoned by a crime betting syndicate. They are also investigating whether Taylor could have been poisoned by an opponent or person associated with an opponent.
Taylor’s mother Milena could not believe the diagnosis.
“Before the tournament she was in very good shape physically. She was totally healthy and playing very well,” Milena Taylor told The Telegraph.
“She got to the quarter-final, but then the next thing she is lying in intensive care close to death. When the infection team explained what it was we could not believe it.”
Leptospirois typically causes flu-like symptoms, but in some cases can cause fatal organ failure.
Taylor’s family is wondering how the youngster may have been subjected to the substance. Taylor did not dine in the players’ facility, though her drinks were often left unattended on the court or inside the locker room.
The possibility that Taylor could have been poisoned by a crime betting syndicate may sound like a stretch to some, but reading this story could change your mind. Let’s also not forget just how crazy some tennis parents can be when it comes to their kids. We’ve seen some really crazy stories that would make the possibility of poisoning an opponent not completely far-fetched. Thank goodness Taylor has finally began recovering to the point that she’s able to continue playing now.
