Six pups were sent darting around the Sao Paulo clay courts during an exhibition match between Marcelo Demoliner and Joao Zwetschto in a bid to help promote two local animal shelters
THE Brazil Open in Sao Paulo had a little fun during last week's tournament, bringing in BALL-DOGS in a bid to promote two local animal shelters.
On Saturday, six pups took to the clay courts for the ATP World Tour 250 tournament for an exhibition match.
During the game - played between Brazilian duo Marcelo Demoliner and Joao Zwetsch - the dogs were sent charging around the courts, chasing down and - supposedly - bringing back the fuzzy yellow balls.
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However, during the hilarious contest, they were often seen giving up on their duties and having the time of their lives in front of the camera.
After the game Demoliner praised the move, saying: “It was pretty fun, super cool with the dogs, a really nice experience."
However, the doubles world No63 reckons there's still a long way to go before we see ball-dogs at Wimbeldon.
Demoliner added: "I think they need to improve a little bit because if they put dogs in a real match... we will have a lot of let calls.
"But I think it was really nice to do this thing today."
The idea to allow dogs to participate in the tournament was actually introduced last year.
All canine participants were searching for a new home through the Cao Sem Dono (Dogs Without Owners) programme... and every one of the class of 2016 found a new home thanks to the Brazil Open.
The six pooches from 2017 - Cindy, Nanda, Pretinha, Mia, Arlete and Ovelha - are almost certain to find a new home thanks to their adorable antics on Saturday.
