Rising tennis sensation Yosuke Watanuki is in the spotlight after a peculiar mid-match request at the renowned Indian Wells tournament. The Japanese athlete, currently ranked 332 places below his competitor Frances Tiafoe in the ATP world rankings, was engaged in a high-stakes third-round match when he made a somewhat unusual demand.
After clinching the first set, Watanuki found himself trailing 4-5 in the second. The pressure was on, and he needed an energy lift to avoid a third-set decider. Where some players would opt for squash, bananas, or other quick-energy snacks, Watanuki decided to take a different approach. He requested a can of Pepsi.
During a brief respite at the chair, the 26-year-old was overheard asking the umpire about the availability of Pepsi. Responding to his request, a ball boy fetched an ice-cold can from the courtside fridge and handed it to an evidently pleased Watanuki. Commentator Jason Goodall jestingly remarked, “He needs a sugary drink right now. He asked for a Pepsi… can one be found?”
Interestingly, Watanuki seemed to check with his team before savoring his chosen energy boost, holding the drink up to them and flashing a cheeky smile. This was followed by him proudly displaying the blue metallic can to the TV cameras. Goodall’s humorous response to this was, “[He’s] trying to get an endorsement.”
Watanuki’s antics were met with laughter from his team, and one wonders if they also caught the attention of the American soda giant. If so, they may have noted the immediate effect the fizzy beverage had on the athlete’s performance.
Following his Pepsi break, match statistics showed a noticeable improvement in Watanuki’s game. His average topspin forehand, previously clocked at 77 mph, had increased to 80 mph post-Pepsi, hinting at a positive impact of the sugar rush on his performance.
Buoyed by his newfound energy, Watanuki managed to claw back against Tiafoe, staving off two set points and forcing a second-set tiebreak. The underdog went on to secure a shocking victory against the two-time US Open semi-finalist, earning his berth in the round of 16.
Next, the Saitama native faces the formidable world No. 43 Tallon Griekspoor. However, with a fridge full of his preferred fizzy drink, Watanuki appears more than ready to take on the Dutchman. Despite the lightheartedness of the Pepsi incident, it’s clear that Watanuki’s performance at Indian Wells is something to be taken seriously.
