Tennis star Tomas Berdych added Atlantis, The Palm residents Blade, Cathy, Sol, Alice and Abby to his ever-growing list of adoring fans.
The world No 7 took a dip in the lagoon at Dolphin Bay at the hotel on the Palm Jumeirah to meet the friendly pod along with his girlfriend, 19-year-old Ester Satorova.
A mix of nerves and excitement filled the happy couple as they took their seats for a thorough and informative briefing about the mammals they were due to meet.
Once in wetsuits, all jewellery and hair accessories removed (we can confirm that's Satorova only) the pair waded into the slightly chilly waters to get up close and personal with the dolphins.
"Ooh, it does take your breath away," said the Czech player who has had the chance to swim with dolphins once before.
Full of questions, it was Satorova who held back at first. "I've never had the chance to do this before and I'm so excited but also a little nervous," said the beautiful fellow Czech.
Calm down
Having been completely reassured she eventually waded into the clear waters and took position between her boyfriend and the trainer.
It didn't take long for her to calm down and before long the pair were kissing, playing and hugging the graceful animals. The gentle mammals played games and performed jumps against the backdrop of the hotel.
Berdych was intrigued by every move the dolphins made and said the best bit was doing the dorsal fin tow through the water.
"They are very powerful and extremely quick," he said looking a little shocked.
"Although I have swum with the dolphins once before every experience is different. This is amazing and I will remember it."
At a towering 196cm, Berdych often strikes fear into the hearts of opponents. His new partner would seem to have the opposite effect.
Satorova arrived on the scene late last year, shortly after news broke that Berdych had ended his almost decade-long relationship with fellow tennis player Lucie Safarova.
Genuine contender
His new flame has wasted little time settling into life as a WAG and is now a regular in the stands cheering Berdych, who's a genuine contender at this year's Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
"Tomas and I don't have so much time together so when I can be with him I will always try to be," she said. "It's very nice to come and spend some time with Tomas like this."
Hailing from Valasske Mezerici, in the eastern reaches of the Czech Republic, his father Martin is a train driver, and Berdych could easily have followed in his footsteps.
"Without tennis, I probably would have become an engine driver like my dad," he once said.
"It is a beautiful profession that almost every creative and imaginative boy who does not want to become a garbage collector dreams of."
When Berdych is not on the tennis court, he follows the Detroit Red Wings, is a huge ice hockey fan and always takes his laptop with him on the tour to catch games.
