As Seen at the 2026 Australian Open
The cramp shot Daniil Medvedev took courtside at the Aus Open.
Stop calf, hamstring and forearm cramp in under 90 seconds. Built for three-setters, tournament days and long tiebreaks that turn into wars.
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The Protocol
Exactly when to take it on match day.
Phase 01 — Before
1 shot
15 mins before
warm-up
warm-up
Why
Primes the neurological reflex that blocks cramp signals. You start the match with your anti-cramp system already switched on.
Phase 02 — During
1 shot
at the first sign
of tightness
of tightness
Why
The TRP reflex fires within 60 to 90 seconds. Take it on a changeover and you're back to full speed before the next game starts.
Phase 03 — After
1 shot
post-match
(optional)
(optional)
Why
Supports recovery by calming residual neural fatigue. Critical if you're playing again tomorrow.
Protocols by match type
League match / Club singles
1 shot 15 minutes before. 1 on standby at the first changeover of set 2. Second shot only if cramp signals appear. Most players finish with one in reserve.
Tournament day (2+ matches)
1 shot before match one. 1 between matches with a carb snack. 1 on standby courtside for match two. Aim for 3 to 4 shots across the day.
Hot weather / Clay court
Higher cramp risk. 1 shot before. 1 at every second changeover from the start, not just when you feel tightness. Front-load the protocol.
Long doubles or three-set practice
1 shot before. 1 at the 60-minute mark. Extended sessions deplete neural control long before muscles feel tired. Take the second shot proactively.
The Science
Tennis cramp isn't just about dehydration. It is neurological.
Exercise-associated muscle cramp (EAMC) kicks in when your nerves start misfiring after prolonged effort. Your brain loses control of the signal to tired muscles. This is why elite players cramp in the third set even when fully hydrated.
PickleUp's vinegar hit acts as a TRP channel agonist. It activates sensory receptors in your mouth and throat that fire a signal straight to your brainstem, resetting the cramp reflex across your entire body. Usually within 60 to 90 seconds.
The science was pioneered by researchers including Prof. Kevin Miller, whose work has changed how elite sport handles cramp.
Read the full science →60-90s
Onset of relief
50ml
Per shot
21g
Sugar per shot
6
Clean ingredients
I drank when I feel some tightness and it worked well
— Daniil Medvedev, 2026 Australian Open
FAQ
Questions from tennis players.
Everything we get asked in DMs, club houses and tournament tents.
How fast does it actually work?
The TRP reflex fires within 60 to 90 seconds. It's not absorption-based, so you don't have to wait for digestion. Take it on a 90-second changeover and you're ready for the next game.
Can I take it during a match?
Yes. Take it on any changeover or between sets. It's ITF and LTA compliant (all ingredients are natural and widely used in sports nutrition). Informed Sport certification scheduled for late 2025.
Will it upset my stomach mid-match?
The formula is designed for use during intense activity. Our sponsored players take it courtside without issues. 50ml is small enough to take fast and not sit heavy. If you're cramp-prone and new to the shot, try one in training first.
How does it compare to salt tabs or electrolyte drinks?
Salt tabs and electrolytes target dehydration. PickleUp targets the neurological cause of cramp, which is a different mechanism entirely. Most cramp-prone players find PickleUp works where salt tabs don't. You can use both if you like — they don't conflict.
How many do I need for a tournament?
For a one-day event: 2 to 3 shots. For a weekend tournament with multiple matches: 6 to 8. For a week-long event: a 12-pack is the right spec. Better to over-pack than run short in the semi-final.
Does it work for cramp in the forearm or hand?
Yes. The TRP reflex calms the cramp response across the entire body, not just the leg that's cramping. Forearm cramp on the serve, hand cramp gripping the racket — same protocol, same shot.
What does it taste like?
Tangy and sharp with a pineapple finish. Think pickle juice, made palatable. The bite is part of the mechanism — that's what triggers the reflex. Most players find it refreshing after the first shot.
Will it affect my hydration plan?
No. 50ml doesn't displace your water strategy. Keep drinking water as normal, take PickleUp on top of it. Electrolyte drinks still have their place for long matches in heat.
Stop the cramp before the cramp stops you.
Pack one in your bag. Take one before warm-up. Keep one courtside for the moment that decides the match.
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