Social media buzzed with speculation during the Cincinnati Open on Monday night as American tennis player Amanda Anisimova was seen consuming a mystery beverage during her match against Alex Eala. The optics of the drink, consumed from a plastic cup and seemingly hidden under a towel, led many fans and commentators to believe she might be sipping on a beer during the second set.
Broadcasters Brett Haber and Lindsay Davenport initially questioned the contents of the cup. Davenport suggested it could be apple cider, while Haber remarked that while he would never suggest a player was drinking beer mid-match, "that’s certainly what it looked like." He added that players are prohibited from consuming alcohol during matches and that the beverage's identity remained unclear.
Following the match, which Anisimova went on to win 6-2 in the final set, the speculation continued online. Some fans on X (formerly Twitter) shared their amusement, with one user writing, "I don’t know if I have ever seen anything more nails than Amanda Anisimova just drilling a beer mid game and then winning the match."
However, the mystery was later resolved. Haber confirmed on the broadcast that a courtside camera operator verified Anisimova had requested and received a Red Bull. "We can confirm via one of our courtside camera operators that Anisimova asked for and was delivered a Red Bull. That is the mystery bevvie," he explained.
While the reality of an energy drink is less intriguing than an alleged mid-match beer, the moment still generated considerable discussion across social media and within the tennis community. Anisimova, 24, is slated to face Linda Noskova next. The match took place amidst discussions about women's sports, with women's sports advocate Paula Scanlan recently commenting on related issues in professional tennis.