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French Open Grants Badges to Player Dogs, Hires Concierge

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

The French Open launched a dog accreditation program and hired Melanie Gauthier Knopp as dog concierge.
Ten dogs received badges permitting access throughout Roland Garros except restricted zones, with dog-gie bag dispensers installed.
Half of the women’s quarterfinalists traveled with dogs, including Kalinskaya’s Bella and Sabalenka’s Ash, citing emotional support.
Bella’s barking during Kalinskaya’s fourth-round match prompted officials to ask the dog’s boyfriend to leave the players’ box.

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Story summary

The French Open launched a dog accreditation program and hired Melanie Gauthier Knopp as dog concierge.
Ten dogs received badges permitting access throughout Roland Garros except restricted zones, with dog-gie bag dispensers installed.
Half of the women’s quarterfinalists traveled with dogs, including Kalinskaya’s Bella and Sabalenka’s Ash, citing emotional support.
Bella’s barking during Kalinskaya’s fourth-round match prompted officials to ask the dog’s boyfriend to leave the players’ box.