As the 2026 Roland Garros tournament unfolds, players are enjoying the companionship of their dogs on-site, a growing trend aimed at providing emotional support. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, a finalist in 2025, was pleasantly surprised when her dog Ash received official accreditation to join her at Porte d’Auteuil. Other players, such as Anastasia Potapova and Anna Kalinskaya, have also brought their dogs, with Kalinskaya’s pet even making an appearance in the player’s box.
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This year, ten dogs have received accreditation, giving them access to the tournament grounds. Quarterfinalist Marta Kostyuk travels with her two dogs, one of which, Mander, is a trained service dog. Kostyuk shared how Mander can sense stress in her and her husband, providing comfort and stability. She appreciates how caring for her dogs keeps her grounded amid the tournament's pressures.
Belgium’s Zizou Bergs has also brought his dog, Copain, along for the past three seasons. He emphasized the familiarity and joy that dogs bring, helping players disconnect and find a semblance of normal life amidst intense competition.
The tournament’s Players Support and Relations Manager, Kildine Chevalier, reported overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the dog-friendly initiative. Dogs are allowed in player areas, provided they remain quiet and well-behaved. Chevalier noted that while players appreciate having their pets close, staff members ensure the dogs are supervised and cared for, even providing dog walkers to exercise them throughout the day.
Kostyuk expressed that it’s nice for her dogs to join her during meals and practice sessions, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere. Bergs echoed her sentiments, recalling the joys of bringing Copain into the city for short excursions.
However, not all tournaments allow pets. World No. 8 Mirra Andreeva highlighted the challenges players face when tournaments impose no-pet policies, noting that she often resorts to FaceTime to check in on her dog back home.
As Roland Garros sets a trend for integrating dogs into the sporting experience, it exemplifies how pets can enhance the well-being of athletes on and off the court.