Tennis players increasingly travel with dogs for emotional support on tour

Professional tennis players are increasingly bringing dogs to tournaments to manage the isolation and physical demands of life on the road. Athletes including Jessica Pegula and Marta Kostyuk have noted that pets provide necessary stability and grounding during travel. The French Open recently introduced a dedicated dog concierge service and accreditation badges for pets, allowing animals access to player areas. Conversely, other major tournaments such as Wimbledon maintain stricter policies that limit access to service animals. Players often cite the unconditional support of their pets as a vital factor for their emotional health amid a rigorous competition schedule. While some breeds pose logistical travel challenges due to their size, many players continue to integrate their animals into their touring routines.

• 9:38 PMYahoo Sports — Tennis-Players find comfort and companionship with canines on tour