Amanda Anisimova confused announcers with mystery drink during comeback win

Amanda Anisimova defeated Alex Eala (4-6, 6-4, 6-2) in the third round of the Cincinnati Open on Wednesday. After dropping the first set, things got interesting in the second. That’s when Anisimova was caught taking a drink of something during a changeover. Something that looked a lot like a pint of lager. “The Tennis Channel” showed a replay during the third set which showed Anisimova picking up a plastic cup from behind a towel. Announcers Brett Haber and Lindsay Davenport were perplexed. Not because she was taking a drink, but because they didn’t want to say what to say it looked like she was drinking. MORE: Sloane Stephens shocks Anastasia Potapova with Cincinnati Open second round straight set win “I mean, I would never suggest that a player was drinking a beer in the middle of the match,” said Haber. “I’ve never seen that,” Davenport cut in before Haber finished his thought by saying, “That’s certainly what it looked like.” MORE: Amanda Anisimova’s boozy ad divides social media What’s in the cup? Aug 17, 2026; Mason, OH, USA; The tournament logo is seen on tennis balls resting on the court during the match between Arthur Fery (GBR) and Alex de Minaur (AUS) during the Cincinnati Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Davenport’s first guess was cider with Haber later adding it could be non-alcoholic. Whatever it was, it looked like beer. Cheers to Haber and Davenport for admitting that’s what it looked like was happening. While also suggesting alternative beverages that would make sense, even if what they were seeing wasn’t making any sense. The announcers’ faith in Anisimova was rewarded later in the broadcast when they received confirmation that she was actually drinking Red Bull. You know, the other pale yellow fizzy drink you might consume during a night out. With the match not ending until almost 1 a.m. East, it’s no wonder she needed a little pick-me-up. Anisimova will return to the court to face Linda Noskova on Wednesday. Anisimova, currently ranked No. 10 in the world, has only advanced past the fourth round of a tournament once this year. That was way back during the Australian Open in January. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —