NEW YORK – Before Alina Sabalenka reached the US Open semi-finals for the fifth consecutive year, she was a 20-year-old 20-year-old in love with a rescue dog.
During Fan Week held on the tournament grounds, Muddy Paws Rescue brought some of the New York-based dogs to Player Garden. World No. 1 and defending champion Sabalenka met a very good boy named Wilson.
She immediately took her to Instagram stories, sharing photos of herself with Wilson outside Arthur Ash Stadium, and sought help from her fans and followers.
“Please help me to convince my team that everyone will adopt this lover,” she wrote along with the photo.
Fast forward two weeks and the story has a happy ending. Sabalenka doesn’t get a puppy, but he goes home with another tennis champion.
On Thursday, Asia Muhammad, currently ranked 17th in doubles and winner of 13 doubles titles on the WTA Tour, announced that he had hired Wilson. Post a series of photos together, including those wearing his official US open credentials – Muhammad said, “New puppy, who would welcome?
Several of Muhammad’s friends and colleagues congratulated her on the new addition.
Shelby Rogers, who retired after last season’s US Open, said, “I love this story! We love Wilson!!!” And Jessica Pegra, who was scheduled to play Sabalenka in the semi-finals a few hours later, wrote, “The most perfect boy!”
Muhammad first noticed Wilson and the other rescue dogs on the scene after American doubles player Desirae Krawczyk posted a series of photos and videos on Instagram.
Krawczyk commented “We Love Wilson” in Muhammad’s post on Thursday, and Muhammad responded by praising Krawczyk for making it happen. “It all started with your post,” she wrote.
Muhammad, along with his partner Demi Schure, reached the quarter-finals in doubles at the US Open. The two lost on Tuesday, giving Muhammad the opportunity to go home with her new best friend.
