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🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

Dogs become tennis players’ companions and emotional support on tour

From CNA · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Tennis players increasingly travel with dogs, seeking comfort and stability during long stretches away from home.
  • The French Open introduced a dog concierge and accreditation badges, while the U.S. Open featured rescue puppies during Fan Week.
  • Wimbledon and the Australian Open impose restrictions that make it difficult for players to bring pets to their grounds.

For tennis players living out of airports, hotels and tournament venues, dogs are becoming more than beloved pets. They are travelling companions, emotional anchors and increasingly visible members of the tour’s entourage.

Animals are amazing... that's why a lot of the girls are travelling with more pets now, because of how tough the life is on the road.

· Jessica PegulaThe world number three explained why more tennis players are travelling with pets.

“Animals are amazing... that's why a lot of the girls are travelling with more pets now, because of how tough the life is on the road,” world number three Jessica Pegula told reporters at the U.S. Open. She said animals offer a kind of unconditional love that can help players cope emotionally with the demands of professional tennis.

The French Open embraced that role this year by introducing a dedicated dog concierge service and official accreditation badges for 10 dogs. Some pets reached the tournament’s centre stage. Mirra Andreeva posed for trophy photographs with Luna, the puppy of her coach, Conchita Martinez, while Alexander Zverev shared the spotlight with his dachshund, Mishka.

To have something that grounds you, as simple as having a dog or any type of animal... you don't experience that type of love from anybody else. They love you unconditionally and that can just really help emotionally.

· Jessica PegulaPegula described the emotional support pets provide during life on tour.

Grand Slam rules remain uneven. Australia’s strict biosecurity laws can make bringing pets to the Australian Open difficult, while Wimbledon allows only service and certified assistance dogs on its grounds. Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, publicly lamented leaving her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, Ash, behind at the All England Club. “Wimbledon, please, I beg you, let the dogs inside,” she said in July.

Wimbledon, please, I beg you, let the dogs inside.

· Aryna SabalenkaThe world number one protested Wimbledon’s restrictions after leaving her puppy at home.

At the U.S. Open, rescue puppies from New York’s Muddy Paws Animal Rescue drew visits from players including Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez. Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, who travels with Mander and Chich, said caring for her dogs gives her routine and perspective. Pegula, who has three rescue dogs, Maddie, Des and Mabel, said bringing them to events creates special memories, particularly when she looks back on tournament victories with a dog beside her.

You feel way more grounded, no matter what's going on in your life.

· Marta KostyukKostyuk described the perspective she gains from caring for her two dogs.
About this summary

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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