Tennis fans question what was put into Andrey Rublev’s drink bottle – but commentators say it’s completely normal

Fans are asking questions about what was put into Andrey Rublev’s drink 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 snag a two-sets-to-one lead at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday and appeared destined to kick on as a frustrated and emotional Rublev waged a verbal war on himself.

But a brilliant Rublev came home with a wet sail to level proceedings then, as de Minaur crumbled, put the 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 had taken the third set, the tired-looking Russian took a toilet break that appeared to revitalise him. 

When Rublev returned, he went for broke and fired winner after winner against the Aussie.

Aussie hope Alex de Minaur was beaten in five sets by fifth seed Andrey Rublev

Rublev’s turnaround in form also came after his team were spotted pouring a mystery substance into his drink 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 potentially enhance their performance and Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting any wrongdoing.

It has also become fairly 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’s having…,’ joked one X user.

‘Thought I was the only one that saw that and now he’s gone from dead tired to fired up,’ replied another.

Rublev will next face the in-form fourth seed Jannik Sinner in the last eight

Other fans didn’t know what the fuss was all about, suggesting that the De Minaur fans were believing in conspiracy theories.

‘It’s just salt for those screaming conspiracy theories,’ commented an X user.

‘Aha!! So Rublev added salt to his drink to help his cramping?’ said another.

‘Phew sore losers,’ said a third.