Why are tennis stars walking in with dogs at Rio Open 2025? - WATCH

The Rio Open 2025 is set to launch a meaningful initiative that emphasizes the importance of responsible pet adoption. This year, four charming dogs will support the tournament by walking alongside tennis players as they enter the court. 

The beloved 'CãoDulas' return, playing a vital role in creating a warm, engaging atmosphere and promoting pet adoption awareness among attendees and fans of the sport.

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The Canine squad replaced the ball-kids

This year's canine squad features four charming pups: Pedro Augusto, Belinha, Nino, and Beethoven. Before this exciting event, they underwent specialized training on a tennis court to hone their skills and prepare effectively.

Forget ball kids. In Rio, it’s all about ball dogs 🐶

Here’s the story behind the dogs which walk on court with the best players in the world at the @RioOpenOficial…
pic.twitter.com/q7GIuxPdlw

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 19, 2025

These delightful dogs not only captivate audiences with their personalities but also come with heartwarming stories, as they are available for adoption through the NGO 'Adote um Bichinho RJ' located in Rio de Janeiro.

Felipe Mascarenhas, a representative from Premierpet the company behind this initiative in partnership with the Rio Open underscored the project's significance during a press conference at the event's launch. He stated that entering the court is a pivotal moment for the players, and the CãoDulas will enhance this experience. Mascarenhas further emphasized the initiative's positive impact, noting their goal is to raise awareness about these animals and encourage people to appreciate the uniqueness of each one and increase their adoption.

The Rio Open 2025 is scheduled for February 15 to 23 at the Jockey Clube Brasileiro. Reigning World number 2, German Tennis star Alexander Zverev is competing in this event. This year's ATP 500 event not only involves exciting clay-court matches but also aims to promote important values such as love, respect, and responsible adoption.

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