By Shrivathsa Sridhar
NEW YORK, Sept 5 (Reuters) - In the world of professional tennis, dogs have emerged as cherished companions for players, accompanying them from the practice courts to the grandest stages of the sport. These beloved pets are becoming increasingly common among players who often find themselves far from home, navigating the challenges of life on the road.
For many athletes, the rigors of constant travel can lead to feelings of isolation. Jessica Pegula, the world number three, highlighted this reality at the U.S. Open, stating, "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."
This year, the French Open took a notable step by introducing a dedicated "dog concierge" service, allowing players to bring their pets along with official accreditation badges for ten lucky dogs. This initiative reflects a broader acceptance of pets in the sport, with some players even featuring their furry friends in celebratory moments. For instance, Mirra Andreeva was photographed with her coach Conchita Martinez’s puppy, Luna, during her trophy presentation, while Alexander Zverev shared the spotlight with his dachshund, Mishka.
However, not all Grand Slam tournaments are as accommodating. The Australian Open has stringent biosecurity laws that complicate the inclusion of pets, while Wimbledon only allows service and certified assistance dogs on its grounds, leaving many players to find alternative arrangements for their animals during the tournament. Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, expressed her disappointment at having to leave her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ash, behind at Wimbledon, pleading, "Wimbledon, please, I beg you, let the dogs inside."
At the U.S. Open, which is known for being pet-friendly, rescue puppies from Muddy Paws Animal Rescue became a highlight during Fan Week, attracting visits from top players like Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez. Marta Kostyuk from Ukraine, who travels with her two dogs, Mander and Chich, shared that the responsibilities of pet ownership provide her with a sense of grounding amid the pressures of professional tennis. She remarked, "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."
Pegula also cherishes the moments spent with her three rescue dogs, Maddie, Des, and Mabel, despite the challenges of traveling with them. She reflected on the joy of having her dogs present during her victories, saying, "It’s really cool and it’s really special when you can look back and say you’ve won a couple of titles and you have your dog there with you. Many years from now, when my dog probably isn’t around, I’ll always have those special memories."
The growing trend of tennis players traveling with their dogs highlights the emotional support these animals provide, making the demanding lifestyle of professional athletes a little more bearable.
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