Sabalenka Asks Wimbledon to Allow Players’ Dogs on Grounds
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LONDON, July 2 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - World number one Aryna Sabalenka has called on Wimbledon to reconsider its ban on pet dogs, adding a lighter but increasingly visible issue to the strict traditions of the grasscourt Grand Slam.
The All England Club permits service dogs and certified assistance dogs on its grounds, but pet dogs are not allowed, meaning players who regularly travel with their animals must leave them elsewhere during the tournament.
Sabalenka, who travels with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy Ash, appealed to the tournament on Wednesday to change its rules.
“Wimbledon, please, I beg you, let the dogs inside,” she said.
The issue has gained attention after dogs became a notable presence at Roland Garros last month, where French Open champions Mirra Andreeva and Alexander Zverev posed with canine companions during trophy ceremonies.
Roland Garros also introduced official accreditations and a dedicated dog concierge service for players travelling with pets. Wimbledon, however, has no plans to introduce a similar policy.
Sabalenka said she disagreed with the ban, while acknowledging why organisers may be reluctant to allow pets inside the historic venue.
“I don’t agree with it, but I can understand why they made this decision,” she said.
She added that organisers were likely concerned about possible damage to the venue, but said the players’ pets were unlikely to cause problems.
“I have to say all of our dogs are very well-trained,” Sabalenka said. “They’re not going to do anything wrong inside of this beautiful building.”
The presence of players’ pets has become more visible as athletes increasingly share photographs and videos of their animals on social media, giving fans a view of life away from practice courts and locker rooms.
For Sabalenka, the issue is also personal. She said leaving Ash alone is difficult during a demanding tennis schedule that requires players to travel across continents for much of the season.
“It just sometimes hurts to leave him at the house by himself,” she said.
Sabalenka described walking her dog as a form of meditation and said Ash provides comfort during the pressures of the tour.
But unless Wimbledon changes its rules, Ash will not be allowed onto the grounds if Sabalenka reaches the final stages of the tournament and competes for the Venus Rosewater Dish on July 11.
