Truth behind Amanda Anisimova's 'mystery bevvy' after people think she's drinking beer mid-match
Amanda Anisimova boggled the minds of tennis fans after she was caught supping on a bubbly beverage at the Cincinnati Open, leading some to question if the beverage was as alcoholic as it looked.
On Monday (17 August), the 24-year-old faced up against Alex Eala, 21, in the tournament's Round of 32.
The United States sportswoman triumphed over her opponent 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, booking her slot on Champions Court in the RO16 against Linda Nosková on Wednesday (19 August).
During a changeover in the second set, Anisimova could be seen sipping on what appeared to be a foamy, amber-coloured drink.
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The now-viral beverage seemingly confused Tennis Channel commentators Brett Haber, 56, and Lindsay Davenport, 50.
When the latter questioned whether the tennis player was drinking ‘apple cider’ on court, Haber said: “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.”
Davenport, a former world No.1 and three-time Grand Slam singles champion, added that she had ‘never seen’ a competitor drink a beverage like Anisimova’s.
“I mean, it could be non-alcoholic, it could be cider, it could be anything,” Haber added. “We don’t know.”
Comments made by the pair sparked reaction online, with many tennis fans weighing in on what the star’s so-called ‘mystery bevvy’ could be via social media.
“How do we know that wasn't some performance-enhancing drink? Seriously, I think she should be disqualified and Alex given the win. Don't they have strict regulations on what you can bring out there as well as drink?” one claimed.
A second replied: “YES!!!!!! Her coach probably said: " Here...! Relax! Now, GO OUT THERE AND WIN!!! Haha!”
“Ginger ale. People often drink ginger soda for stomach issues,” someone else remarked.
Others have defended the two-time Grand Slam finalist, with one firm fan writing: “Who cares If it calms her down and enables her to play her best close the deal, god bless her for knowing what works.”
“Who cares???!! She can drink whatever she wants! If it’s legal…I’ll tip my hat and my beer to her! Ru looking to boost yer ratings..smh.”
Following widespread speculation, Hader and Davenport put rumours to bed by confirming that Anisimova wasn’t sinking a midmatch beer.
“Just to put a bow on the story, we can confirm, via one of our court-side camera operators, that Anisimova asked for and was delivered a Red Bull.”
The television cameras soon cut to an empty can of the caffeinated beverage beside where Anisimova was sitting.
Following her win, the USA star 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,” as per The Express.
“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.”
She added: “I’m really proud of this performance, for being able to find a way and push myself there in the middle of the match.
“I’m really happy with the way I was able to find my tennis and start fighting. Another great player, just off of a Grand Slam title, so she’s playing some great tennis, but I’m just gonna try and enjoy my win tonight.”
Ella Scott