Anna Kalinskaya has disclosed that her boyfriend was compelled to exit her fourth-round match at the French Open due to the disruptive barking of their dog, Bella. The world number 24 is among several players who have brought their canine companions to the tournament, which has granted accreditation to ten pets for access to Roland Garros grounds. This initiative aims to offer players companionship and emotional support throughout the two-week Grand Slam event.
Bella's Barking Causes Distraction
Kalinskaya, who had previously been greeted by Bella after matches and spoken about having her in the players' box, admitted to the Tennis Channel that the dog's barking led to her boyfriend's departure during her fourth-round clash against Anastasia Potapova. 'She could not watch because she barked in the first set, that was why my match was not very joyful,' Kalinskaya explained. 'She actually barked and I missed the ball into the net. It was quite an important point. But then my boyfriend left the stadium with her.'
Match Outcome and Lighthearted Remark
Despite the canine interruption, Kalinskaya triumphed over Potapova with a scoreline of 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, securing her first French Open quarter-final berth. She humorously suggested that the French Open should maintain its dedicated dog-walking service for future tournaments. However, her campaign ended on Wednesday with a 7-6, 6-3 defeat to Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska.
Tournament Rules on Dogs
Kildine Chevalier, the French Open's players support and relations manager, emphasized that dogs are permitted in players' boxes only if they remain quiet. 'The dog accreditations are a bit of fun, it's real but not real, it's a great souvenir. The players have loved it. They need to stay in the players' areas, not the public areas, but within there they can go most places. We try to be flexible with the rules, we ask them to be in arms or in the small dog carry bags. Dogs have gone into the player's box courtside and that's not ideal. It is fine if they do not bark,' Chevalier stated.
Other Players with Dogs
World number one Aryna Sabalenka, Potapova, and semi-finalist Marta Kostyuk are among the top women's players who have been accompanied by their dogs at the French Open. Men's player Zizou Bergs also brought his dog, Copain, to the tournament.
