Japan’s Yosuke Watanuki has been called out for ‘trying to get Pepsi endorsement’

Japan’s Yosuke Watanuki has been called out for ‘trying to get an endorsement’ during the ongoing Indian Wells. The 26-year-old has proven to be one of the biggest surprises in the ongoing campaign as he has now booked his place in the round of 16 after beating America’s Frances Tiafoe in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 7-6.

Watanuki’s results on the court might have been an impressive one, but he has been called for trying to get an endorsement for himself. During the second set of his most recent contest, the Saitama-born asked the chair umpire to get Pepsi to keep himself energized. "Do we have them [Pepsi]?,” he asked the official. In response to that, a ball boy was sent to bring a soft drink for the player.

"[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?,” the commentator said. Interestingly, Watanuki then held the container in front of the TV cameras, which forced the commentators to call out the player for trying to get more endorsements. "[He's] trying to get an endorsement,” one commentator said.

The current world number 349, who started his journey from the qualifying round, will face Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor in the fourth round of the competition. The 28-year-old, who has already defeated the current world number two Alexander Zverev in the second round, cemented his spot in the round of 16 after beating France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-3.