In New York, even before Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open semifinals for the fifth consecutive year, she appeared as an ordinary young woman who genuinely fell in love with a rescue puppy.
A Star-Struck Encounter
During Fan Week, held concurrently with the tournament`s qualifying matches, Muddy Paws Rescue brought several of their New York-based dogs to the players` garden. Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and reigning champion, met a particularly charming dog named Wilson and was instantly captivated. Soon after, she shared a photo of herself with Wilson outside Arthur Ashe Stadium on her Instagram story, appealing to her followers for assistance.
“Guys, please help me convince my team to adopt this sweetheart,” she wrote alongside the picture.
Wilson Finds His Forever Home
Two weeks later, the story found its happy resolution. Although Sabalenka couldn`t adopt the puppy, he found a home with another tennis champion. On Thursday, Asia Muhammad, currently ranked 17th in the world in doubles and a winner of 13 WTA doubles titles, announced her adoption of Wilson. Posting a series of photos together—one showing Wilson wearing his official US Open credential—Muhammad wrote, “New pup, who dis? Welcome home, Wilson!”
Celebratory Spirit Among Peers
Many of Muhammad`s friends and peers quickly congratulated her on the new addition to her family. Shelby Rogers, who retired after last season`s US Open, commented, “Love this story! We all love Wilson!!!” and Jessica Pegula, scheduled to play Sabalenka in the semifinals just hours later, added, “The most perfect boy!”
Muhammad learned about Wilson and the other rescue dogs on-site after fellow American doubles player Desirae Krawczyk posted a series of pictures and videos of them on Instagram. Krawczyk commented, “We love Wilson” on Muhammad`s post on Thursday, to which Muhammad replied, crediting Krawczyk for her involvement: “It all started from your post.”
A Perfect Timing for Adoption
Muhammad reached the quarterfinals in doubles at the US Open with her partner Demi Schuurs. They lost on Tuesday, which gave Muhammad the opportunity to go home with her new best friend.
