Dogs become tennis players’ trusted companions on the road

For tennis players who spend much of the year moving between airports, hotels and tournament venues, dogs have become more than a distraction. They are travelling companions who offer comfort and stability in a sport often marked by loneliness.

“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 US Open. “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.”

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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. 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.

The French Open embraced the trend this year with a dedicated dog concierge service and official accreditation badges for 10 dogs. Some appeared alongside champions in the spotlight. Mirra Andreeva posed for trophy photographs with Luna, the puppy of her coach Conchita Martinez, while Alexander Zverev shared the stage with his dachshund, Mishka.

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

Players face tighter restrictions at other Grand Slams. Australia’s biosecurity laws make bringing pets to the Australian Open difficult, while Wimbledon allows only service dogs and certified assistance dogs on its grounds. Aryna Sabalenka said she had to leave 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.

The US Open, another pet-friendly major, hosted rescue puppies from New York’s Muddy Paws Animal Rescue in the player garden during Fan Week. Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez were among the players who visited them. Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, who travels with Mander and Chich, said caring for animals gives her perspective. “You feel way more grounded, no matter what's going on in your life,” Kostyuk said. “You have to take them for walks, you have to feed them, they're there, they love you no matter what.” Pegula travels with three rescue dogs, Maddie, Des and Mabel, and said it was special to look back on tournament victories with a dog present.

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You feel way more grounded, no matter what's going on in your life. You have to take them for walks, you have to feed them, they're there, they love you no matter what.