Tennis players showcase dogs at French Open, highlighting unique tournament culture
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 4, 2026, 9:16 AM
Last updated Jun 4, 2026
At the French Open, players often bring their dogs for companionship amidst the demands of professional tennis. Roland Garros has a dedicated dog concierge, Melanie Gauthier Knopp, who takes care of these pets by providing services like meals and massages. This year, many players, including quarterfinalist Anna Kalinskaya and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, traveled with their dogs, creating a notable presence around the tournament. With doggie bag dispensers installed and designated areas for dogs, the event has embraced their presence. The role of pets serves as a source of comfort for players, particularly during the solitary travel schedule associated with the sport.
- •Players are accompanied by their dogs at Roland Garros.
- •Melanie Gauthier Knopp serves as the first dog concierge.
- •Half of the women's quarterfinalists at the tournament travel with dogs.
- •Doggie bag dispensers and clear signage enhance the tournament experience for pets.
- •Pets act as emotional support for players in a nomadic lifestyle.
- 9:16 AMYahoo Sports — How tennis players’ dogs live at Grand Slams and on tour, from courtside seats to massages
"PARIS – Melanie Gauthier Knopp’s job at the French Open has nothing to do with playing tennis. She spends her days helping the hundreds of players who have come through their gates over the past couple of weeks feel cared for. In that pursuit, she does everything from coordinating social activities to leading excursions off grounds. She gives massages to those who need it after a long day of running around and, when it was unseasonably hot in Paris last week, she even opened a private pool so th
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