German tennis ace Alexander Zverev, 29, has had a stellar year thus far, winning two Grand Slam titles (French Open and US Open). While hard work and persistence have been the key to his success, the World No. 2 reckons his ‘lucky charms’ have also played a role. “My dogs are my lucky charms. I never part with them,” Zverev told Italian magazine Icon. Zverev has four pet dogs — Mishka [dachschund], Lovik [toy poodle], Buba and Pop [both mix terriers] — of which the former is the most popular among his fans, considering it is seen most often on Tour with the German.

Regarding his future, Zverev insists that he still has plenty left in the tank. “I love playing tournaments, traveling, training, working out in the gym, I’m still that kid who had so much fun with his racquet,” he said.