A dog is a man's best friend.
Such is true for Marton Fucsovics, the Hungarian who boasts a fierce competitive spirit and ripped physique yet also a soft spot for his dog, Chucky.
When the 32-year-old practises at home in Budapest, Chucky is often lounging, soaking in the sunshine and occasionally picking up tennis balls. It is not much different when Fucsovics is working out in the gym, where Chucky likes to relax and fulfill his role of being the two-time tour-level champion's number one companion.
“He’s like my son, like my best friend. He’s always with me, always there for me. He’s giving me a lot of motivation,” Fucsovics told ATPTour.com at the ATP Challenger Tour 175 event in Cagliari, Italy.
“When I’m home, he’s with me 24/7. We go for a walk every day. I throw the balls for him. We spend time with my girlfriend and family together. When I’m not at home, my girlfriend or my family is taking care of him. He’s a member of our family.”
Fucsovics and Chucky had plenty to celebrate together 10 days ago, when the 32-year-old returned home with his first ATP Tour trophy since 2018. The No. 53 in the PIF ATP Rankings dropped just one set all week to triumph at the Tiriac Open, defeating Argentine Mariano Navone in the final.
“It was a huge relief for myself,” Fucsovics said. “I won my previous ATP trophy six years ago. I won a couple of Challengers, but it’s not the same level. I didn’t expect that win. I was fighting for every ball, every match, every point.”
Now Fucsovics looks to build upon his momentum on the European clay at this week’s Sardegna Open, where he is seeded sixth.
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