The organization thought it would be funny to announce that ball puppies would be added to its ballperson team for the upcoming tournament.
It took to Twitter to share the news.
BREAKING: The US Open to add puppies to the ballperson team at the 2019 tournament for the first time.
All breeds welcome. pic.twitter.com/Yu5ySEhriF
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) April 1, 2019
Related: Watch Rescued Pups Be ‘Ball Dogs’ at Brazil Open
People got REALLY excited, with some even sharing photos of their tennis dog in training.
Nugget’s already started training. He’s ready. pic.twitter.com/JfMWCAZJgl
— Colin Mac (@colinmac16) April 1, 2019
Plz consider Khaleesi. She can’t really grab a tennis ball nor is she likely to even go get it. But she is very good pic.twitter.com/zHw3EYcThv
— Tejus K (@itssocontejus) April 1, 2019
Nala is coming with me in August, save one place on the ballperson team @usopen pic.twitter.com/yQjnajVLV4
— borna coric (@borna_coric) April 1, 2019
Max would like to apply for this job! pic.twitter.com/S74KrlqDc2
— Minnie & Max the Pugs (@MinnieMaxPugs) April 1, 2019
This is @josie_the_chicagocorgi reporting for duty! pic.twitter.com/nF3WCs8aao
— Diane Jacoby (@DianeJACOBY) April 1, 2019
“Mr. Federer, which ball would you like?” pic.twitter.com/GpQcGooSGN
— Scott Steinberg (@ScottESteinberg) April 1, 2019
Related: ‘Dog Boys’ to Take Over the Brazil Open
But when they learned it was a joke, things got ugly.
This is not funny. My hopes were up!!!!!
— Meredith (@FletchHerCox) April 1, 2019
The dogs are pissed that this is a joke pic.twitter.com/GdpaJZloTz
— MommaT (@tweetmommybop) April 1, 2019
You’ve ruined everyone’s day! pic.twitter.com/viysn6kGZM
— Lindsay Callaghan (@justu890) April 1, 2019
I’m so disappointed in you. This could have been real. This should be real.
— Kerry ☘️⚾️ (@VeryGoodKerry) April 1, 2019
I would 1000% watch 100% more tennis than I do currently if this were actually to happen. This isn’t an #AprilFoolDay joke, this is acknowledgement of a missed opportunity to bring joy and whimsy to the court.
— Jen Bolcoa (@jbolcoa) April 1, 2019
Maybe go for the kitten angle next year?
Related: After Her Beloved Dog Passes Away, Owner Leaves Tennis Balls and Touching Note at Park
