You and Jannik first met when you were 18 and he was 19, at a tennis tournament where you were working as a coordinator. A few years later, when you were 20 and he was 21, your friendship blossomed into something more and you began dating.

For your very first Christmas together, Jannik surprised you with a puppy. Because the little one was so young, you brought him everywhere—tournaments included. He quickly became a familiar sight in the stands as you cheered for Jannik. Even his coaches, Darren and Simone, adored the pup. Before long, fans and reporters affectionately dubbed him the “puppy star” of the tennis world.

Today, though, wasn’t just another day—it marked the start of the US Open. The streets of New York buzzed with anticipation, the crisp morning air alive with excitement. You and Jannik stepped out of your elegant hotel and into the waiting car, your puppy nestled snugly in his cozy carrier.