Tennis fans are wondering what was put in Andrei Rublevov's drinking bottle, but commentators say it's completely normal
- Andrei Rublev's team mixes substance in his drinking bottle
- Some tennis fans have raised questions about the move
- Rublev stormed home to beat local hope De Minaur
Fans are asking questions about what was put into Andrei Rublevov's drinking bottle during his extraordinary comeback win against Alex de Minaur at the Australian Open.
The local hope fought back from losing the first set to take a two sets to one lead at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday and looked destined to go further as a frustrated and emotional Rublev waged a verbal war on himself.
But a brilliant Rublev came home with a wet sail to set up the equalizer and when De Minaur crumbled he put his foot down in the fifth set to win 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6- 7 (4-7) 6 -3 6-0.
After De Minaur took the third set, the tired-looking Russian took a bathroom break that seemed to re-energize him.
When Rublev returned he went for broke, firing winner after winner against the Australian.
Andrei Rublevov's team mixed a mysterious ingredient in his drinking bottle on Sunday evening
Australian hope Alex de Minaur was defeated in five sets by fifth seed Andrey Rublev
Rublev's turnaround in form also came after his team poured a mysterious substance into his water bottle at the end of the fourth set, which television commentators suggested was salt.
Consuming salty drinks can help replenish lost electrolytes, improve an athlete's hydration and possibly improve their performance. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting there is any misconduct.
It has also become quite common in recent years for players to take unmixed energy supplements or isotonic powder during matches.
However, some Aussie fans weren't satisfied with that answer and took to social media to ask questions.
“I want some of that salt he has…” one X user joked.
“I thought I was the only one who saw that and now he's gone from exhausted to excited,” another replied.
Rublev will next face in-form fourth seed Jannik Sinner in the last eight
Other fans were confused as to what all the fuss was about, indicating that De Minaur fans believed in conspiracy theories.
“It's just salty for those screaming conspiracy theories,” one X user commented.
'Aha!! So Rublev added salt to his drink to ease his cramps?' said another.
“Phew, sore losers,” said a third.