Amanda Anisimova seemingly drank a beer mid-match during her Cincinnati Open clash with Alexandra Eala, but the American later clarified it was a Red Bull.
Mid-Match Drink Sparks Speculation
Spectators noticed Anisimova consuming what looked like a golden liquid with a foamy white head from a plastic cup during a changeover. The clip went viral on social media, leaving commentators baffled.
Brett Haber asked his colleague Lindsay Davenport on the Tennis Channel: "What is that?" Davenport speculated: "Could it be apple cider?" Haber replied: "I would never suggest a player was drinking a beer in the middle of a match... But, that's certainly what it looked like!"
Fans React and Player Clarifies
Davenport laughed, saying "I've never seen that," before continuing to chuckle and pointing out that the footage happened midway through the set. Haber added: "It could be non-alcoholic, it could be cider, it could be anything, we don't know."
After Anisimova missed the ball the very next point, some fans doubled down. However, the American cleared up the confusion after winning the match, revealing it was a Red Bull.
Anisimova's Return to Form
She said: "I know Alex is such a great player and such a fighter. I knew it was gonna be a really tough match. There was quite a bit of support for me tonight so I really appreciate that, because I know how loved Alex is... And for good reason. But I really appreciated it because I felt like I needed a pick-me-up in this match because it's past my bed time."
The American is back to playing some of her very best tennis after she once took an eight month break from the sport amid criticism from fans about her body. A response to a picture on her social media read: "The most unathletic body ever! Narrow shoulders and giant boobs."
When asked about her break, she said: "I think just taking myself out of this environment for a little bit. It’s a lot of stress. It’s kind of the same routines every single day. I think the fact that I was injured and I had a lot of different changes that I was getting used to, and not being able to compete, it was new for me, especially because I wasn’t even home. So it was definitely a bit of a strange experience, having to train and train and not knowing if I’m ready to play the tournaments. I was also working hard and doing my best, and I think I just got a bit tired at the end of that. And then it’s always nice to see my family and my friends. It’s just a few days. To be at home where things feel familiar, I think that really helped me. Yeah, again, like I kind of felt a bit guilty maybe doing that, but at the same time, I’m human, and it was best for me. I’m really happy I did it, because I feel like I’m really hungry and very eager to play now. That’s the way I like to be."
