The Cincinnati Open this year has offered more than world‑class tennis; it has given players and fans a daily dose of canine companionship. Penelope, a volunteer service dog recruited by her owner Timothy Finke, has roamed the Lindner Family Tennis Center grounds for the past two weeks, greeting athletes, photographers and spectators alike.
Penelope’s star‑studded encounters
During practice sessions and match breaks, Penelope has received belly rubs from Jessica Pegula and played fetch with Coco Gauff. She posed for photos with Madeira native Caty McNally and even shared a moment with Layla Fernandez, who tossed a handful of tennis balls for the eager pup.
“She’s played fetch with Layla Fernandez, Coco Gauff, Caty McNally, all kinds of players,” Finke said. “Sascha Zverev stopped by on day one, loved her for about 20 minutes and gave her six tennis balls. We’ve collected probably 40 balls now.”
Players bring their own dogs
The tournament’s relaxed atmosphere has encouraged several athletes to bring their own dogs onto the courtside. Ukrainian‑born Marta Kostyuk arrived with her companion Mander, while fellow doubles teammate Peyton Stearns kept her dog Pebbles in her lap during interviews. China’s top‑ranked Xinyu Wang was also spotted with her dog Beita, who made several appearances around the venue.
These interactions have turned the Open into a showcase of the bond between humans and their four‑legged friends, reminding everyone that sport can be a source of simple, wholesome joy.
Community impact
Beyond the smiles on the players’ faces, Penelope’s presence has resonated with fans traveling from across the country. Visitors have paused their tournament itineraries to snap photos, pet the dog and share the moments on social media, spreading a positive image of Cincinnati as a welcoming, family‑friendly city.
“Seeing Penelope brings a smile to everyone, from the kids in the stands to the seasoned pros,” Finke added. “It’s a reminder that even in a high‑stakes competition, a little love and a wagging tail can make a big difference.”
Looking ahead
As the Cincinnati Open concludes on Sunday and the professional tour moves on to its next stop, organizers hope the tradition of canine companions will continue. The tournament’s officials have indicated they will consider formalizing a pet‑friendly volunteer program for future editions, ensuring that the joy Penelope and her fellow dogs have brought will not be a one‑time occurrence.
For now, the memories of a service dog fetching tennis balls, sharing laps with champions and brightening the atmosphere will linger in the minds of players and fans alike, reinforcing Cincinnati’s reputation as a city where sport, community and compassion intersect.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
