During a Round of 32 match at the Cincinnati Open on Monday, American tennis player Amanda Anisimova drew attention from announcers and fans for a beverage she consumed during play. The 24-year-old, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, was observed drinking from a clear plastic cup containing a fizzy, light-colored liquid. The appearance of the drink led commentators on Tennis Channel to speculate about its contents.
Commentator Brett Haber questioned his co-host Lindsay Davenport about the beverage, noting its resemblance to a beer. "I mean I would never suggest that a player was drinking a beer in the middle of a match but that's certainly what it looked like," Haber stated, acknowledging that alcohol consumption during a match is prohibited. Davenport responded, "Could be apple cider, Brett?" and added, "I've never seen that."
Social media users also engaged in widespread speculation, with many on X humorously suggesting Anisimova was drinking beer during her match against Alex Eala. The match itself saw Anisimova come back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
However, the mystery was resolved later in the third set when Tennis Channel confirmed through a courtside camera operator that 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," Haber announced. The energy drink appeared to fuel Anisimova, who went on to secure the comeback victory.
Anisimova is scheduled to face Linda Noskova in the Round of 16 on Wednesday. Last year, she reached the finals of both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.