The players have provided countless thrills at the Brasil Open in Sao Paulo this week. But they were not the only stars sprinting around the red clay.
That’s right — the ball dogs were back in action, partaking in a special exhibition on Saturday that featured ATP World Tour-ranked Brazilian Eduardo Russi Assumpcao, Brazilian junior Gustavo Pereira and Argentina’s Davis Cup captain Daniel Orsanic.
New Zealand's Artem Sitak also saw some of the action. “It was very entertaining, and lots of fun. Cool little thing that was added to an already awesome atmosphere at the stadium,” Sitak said.
It is the third year in a row that the ball dogs have participated in the indoor red-clay event, showing their skills by chasing after balls that were hit into the net, and returning to the net post like any good ball boy or ball girl would.
Bobby, Duda, Gabriel, Kika, Mel and Thor, the six dogs (ranging in age from 1 to 5 years old) that took to Centre Court, were rescued after they were abandoned by their owners. The group of six currently lives at the NGO, Patinhas Unidas, 'United Paws', and is awaiting adoption. Tournament sponsor PremierPet feeds the dogs as they await their new homes.
Game, set, match: ball dogs!