“We need to fix this,” Aryna Sabalenka asks Wimbledon to rethink a rule that “hurts her feelings.”
World No.1 female tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has asked Wimbledon to reconsider a rule she says “hurts my feelings.”
Sabalenka is playing in Wimbledon this year and has made it to the fourth round after winning matches against Teodora Kostovic, McCartney Kessler, and Jeļena Ostapenko. She hopes to win Wimbledon for the first time, after reaching the semi-finals twice before.
However, the Belarusian player is upset about a rule at Wimbledon that doesn’t allow her to bring her dog to the All England Club. Sabalenka often travels with her dog Ash, who first appeared with her at Indian Wells in March.
Unfortunately, Ash can’t join her at Wimbledon because dogs are not allowed inside the venues. Feeling sad about leaving Ash home alone, Sabalenka has asked Wimbledon to change this rule.
“I don’t agree with that,” she said. “I understand their concerns because if a dog caused damage inside such a historic place, it could be a problem. But all our dogs are well-trained and wouldn’t do anything bad inside this beautiful building.
“We need to change this. It’s hard to leave Ash by himself. He gets attached and suffers when left alone. It really hurts my feelings. He’s just a little fluffy friend who loves cuddles and walks — walking him is like meditation for me.
“Wimbledon, please, I beg you, let dogs inside.”
At the French Open, dogs are allowed, but Wimbledon’s rules are clear: only service dogs like guide or hearing dogs are permitted inside the grounds.
Coco Gauff, another player, understands the rule and believes it’s for safety. She explained that sometimes players almost step on dogs or throw heavy balls near them accidentally. She feels the gym and locker rooms aren’t safe places for dogs because of the busy environment. But outside those areas, she’s fine with dogs being around.
Sabalenka will play her fourth-round match against former world No.1 Naomi Osaka soon.