Yosuke Watanuki may have seized an unexpected marketing opportunity during his Indian Wells campaign, turning a mid-match refreshment into a potential endorsement pitch.
Facing the formidable challenge of Frances Tiafoe—ranked 332 places above him in the ATP standings—in the tournament’s third round, Watanuki found himself battling to stay in control.
After securing the first set, he trailed by a break at 4-5 in the second, desperately needing a spark to avoid being pushed into a decider.
Rather than the usual on-court sustenance of energy gels, bananas, or electrolyte drinks, the Japanese star made an unusual request—a can of Pepsi.
During a changeover, he was heard asking the umpire, “Do we have them [Pepsi]?” The official then sent a ball boy to retrieve the ice-cold beverage from the courtside fridge, handing it to a visibly delighted Watanuki.
Tennis TV commentator Jason Goodall couldn’t resist a quip: “[He] needs a sugary drink right now. He asked for a Pepsi… can one be found? Ah, there we go. Nice work with that, got to be right?”
Adding to the lighthearted moment, Watanuki appeared to seek his team’s approval before taking a sip, raising the can in their direction with a grin.
He then held it up in front of the TV cameras, prompting another remark from the booth: “[He’s] trying to get an endorsement.”
The playful moment drew laughter from his team, and if executives at Pepsi were tuned in, they may have taken notice of the impromptu product placement.
Beyond the theatrics, Watanuki’s performance suggested the sugar rush may have paid off. Match data showed his average topspin forehand speed increased from 77 mph before the break to 80 mph after downing his drink.
Rejuvenated, he rallied to break back against Tiafoe, saving two set points before forcing a tiebreak.
The underdog then delivered a stunning upset, toppling the two-time US Open semifinalist to book his place in the round of 16.
Next up, he faces world No. 43 Tallon Griekspoor—a formidable challenge. But if his courtside fridge remains stocked with Pepsi, Watanuki may just fancy his chances.
Emma Raducanu ‘outraging’ Wimbledon members for wearing ‘provocative pink kit’
Emma Raducanu has reportedly sparked controversy at Wimbledon, ruffling the feathers of traditionalists with her choice of practice attire—an unconventional pink outfit.
The All England Club is renowned for its strict dress code, requiring players and members to wear attire that is “almost entirely white” whenever they step onto the prestigious grounds. Wimbledon’s regulations leave little room for interpretation, explicitly stating that “white does not include off-white or cream.”
However, according to the Daily Mail, Raducanu has been ignoring this rule during her training sessions at SW19, opting instead for colorful apparel. The 2021 US Open champion’s wardrobe choices have allegedly upset some members, with one reportedly venting: “It’s so unfair. Emma rocks up in a pink outfit while everyone else respects the all-white rule. Who does she think she is? Just because she’s won the US Open doesn’t mean she can wear whatever she wants.”
Despite a demanding 2025 season that has taken her across Australia, Singapore, the Middle East, and the United States, Raducanu has made several trips back to England to train.
She dedicated significant time to practice ahead of the Indian Wells Open but suffered an early exit in the first round of the WTA 1000 tournament.
Her next challenge awaits at the Miami Open, after which she is expected to return to the UK—where all eyes will be on whether she once again defies Wimbledon’s dress code with her “provocative pink kit.”
Calls to relax the tournament’s all-white policy have grown louder in recent years, but the All England Club remains steadfast in its stance.
As a reminder, Wimbledon’s dress code mandates that players’ outfits must be predominantly white, with only minimal trims of color permitted.
For now, Raducanu’s choice of attire remains a talking point, fueling debate over whether tradition should evolve—or if Wimbledon’s iconic standards should remain untouched.
