Amanda Anisimova had tennis fans doing a double take during her Cincinnati Open clash with Alex Eala after she appeared to take sips from a cup that looked suspiciously like it contained beer. The mystery unfolded during a changeover in the second set, with the American star pulling a clear plastic cup from beneath a towel before drinking from it.
The timing and appearance of the beverage immediately made the moment look bizarre, particularly because the liquid was golden, fizzy and topped with foam. Social media users quickly wondered if Anisimova had somehow brought a cold drink onto court, while commentators Brett Haber and Lindsay Davenport were also left trying to work out exactly what was inside the cup.
The Mystery Cup Raised Eyebrows
Anisimova's drink became noticeable during the second set of her Round of 32 match against Eala, who has attracted plenty of attention during her rapid rise in professional tennis. Rather than reaching for a conventional-looking sports bottle, Anisimova appeared to take a few discreet sips from the plastic cup before putting it away.
Tennis Channel commentators debating what Anisimova is drinking in the 3rd set against Alex Eala in Cincinnati
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From a distance, the drink certainly looked more like a lager or cider than something designed for athletic performance. That unusual appearance was enough to turn an otherwise ordinary changeover into one of the most entertaining moments of the match.
Commentators Could Not Ignore The Beer Look
Haber and Davenport were just as intrigued as the viewers watching at home, with the broadcast cameras giving them a clear look at the mysterious beverage. Davenport suggested it could be apple cider, while Haber admitted that it looked remarkably similar to beer.
The broadcasters were careful not to accuse Anisimova of drinking alcohol, pointing out that players cannot simply consume alcoholic drinks during competition. Haber also noted that it could have been a non-alcoholic drink, cider or something else entirely.
Fans Suspected It Was Beer
Online, the mystery took on a life of its own as fans joked about Anisimova supposedly drinking beer in the middle of a professional tennis match. The idea became even funnier because she was competing at a high level against Eala, making the sight of a player apparently enjoying a pint during a match seem almost impossible.
Some viewers also suggested the drink could be an energy drink such as Red Bull, especially because the colour and foam could create a similar appearance. That guess eventually turned out to be much closer to reality.
The Drink Was Finally Revealed
The strange-looking beverage was eventually identified after a courtside camera operator helped establish exactly what Anisimova had requested. Haber later confirmed during the broadcast that the player had asked for and received a Red Bull.
That revelation quickly put the beer speculation to bed. Rather than secretly enjoying alcohol during a match, Anisimova was simply drinking an energy drink, although the decision to serve it in a clear plastic cup made it look far more suspicious than it really was.
Anisimova Turned The Mystery Into A Win
The drink story became even more amusing because Anisimova went on to produce the tennis required to finish the job against Eala. After losing the opening set 6-4, she fought back to take the second set 6-4 before pulling away decisively in the decider.
She won the final set 6-2 to complete a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory and book her place in the Round of 16. Whatever was in that cup, it clearly did not stop her from finding another level late in the contest.
It Was Just Red Bull
For all the excitement surrounding the mysterious cup, there was ultimately no secret beer break or alcohol-fuelled tennis strategy. Anisimova was drinking Red Bull, turning a potentially controversial moment into an unexpectedly funny episode from the Cincinnati Open.
The American will now face Linda Noskova in the next round, while Eala's run in Cincinnati comes to an end against one of the tournament's more established contenders. As for the mystery drink, tennis fans can finally stop wondering whether they witnessed a player sneaking a pint between games.
