Dogs may be a man’s best friend, but they are taking pride of place with female players at the US Open.
The 2025 edition of the tournament has had its fair share of fun and games off and on court. From a Polish multimillionaire snatching a signed cap from a child, to two players becoming embroiled in a racism row and complaints about cannabis smoke wafting across court. Now canines are getting in on the picture.
The tennis calendar can be taxing for players and female stars have found a four-legged travelling companion can ease the loneliness of the constant cycle of flight-hotel-tournament, that offers little respite throughout the year.
And the dogs are pampered in a luxurious manner that few could imagine.
Take Danielle Collins’ labradoodle Quincy, who is treated to a five-star hotel, chauffeured to and from the venue, and enjoys breakfasts of salmon and eggs.
Danielle Collins' dog Quincy is living a ruff life at the US Open pic.twitter.com/XYc4Z9QPJ1
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 19, 2025
Anna Kalinskaya has a mini dachshund, Bella, and Marta Kostyuk a maltipoo called Mander.
All players’ pets have their own credentials, with a photo of themselves attached to a blue lanyard worn at all times. It is a scene that makes every dog lover let out an audible “aw as they scamper around the practice courts.
Dogs are allowed almost everywhere that players can go at Flushing Meadows. Mander was nestled in the arms of one of Kostyuk’s team overseeing training, before obediently following her into the players’ lounge.
The dogs have even been involved in interviews. Bella, Kalinskaya’s companion, appeared at prime time on ESPN while she was playing against Iga Swiatek.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has no specific regulations when it comes to players’ pets.
A spokesperson told Telegraph Sport: “For any players who wish to bring a pet that is not a service animal, there are no specific policies but we do our best to make reasonable accommodations.
“We ask that out of respect for fellow players and staff, animals are kept out of the locker room and dining areas.”
There are even spectators who have brought dogs to the US Open this year. In the stands on Arthur Ashe during Novak Djokovic’s four-set victory over Cameron Norrie, there was a well-dressed female fan sitting with a dog on her lap sporting a small “service dog” vest.
As the doors to Flushing Meadows were thrown open to everyone, offering free entry on the final Thursday, the policy did have its drawbacks. Some took to bringing their dogs in, like at Court 7. But on that occasion the dog was not particularly well-behaved and after a few quiet barks, had to be taken for a walk.
Dogs are not welcome at all grand slams. Wimbledon has a “no dogs” policy, with the only ones seen likely to be part of the security arrangements, while Australia has strict quarantine restrictions for pets entering the country, never mind the tournament itself.
Our detection dogs on paw-trol #Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/wvabC6fYRe
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2024
At Roland Garros, dogs are permitted, but are not allowed to roam free in the same way and have to travel everywhere in a bag or carrier.
Not every athlete has jumped on board with the idea. Francesca Jones, who was knocked out in the first round by Eva Lys, said her parents had not travelled to New York to watch her in action because they were unable to arrange a dog sitter.
But at least for now, the dogs are here to stay, and they certainly make for a good photo opportunity.
