World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has called on Wimbledon organizers to end their long-standing no-pets policy so she can bring her dog to the tournament.
Sabalenka owns a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Ash that she adopted in March. She has taken the dog to other events including the Indian Wells final and Roland Garros but cannot do so at the All England Club.
During a press conference the player said she disagrees with the rule. “I can understand why they made this decision,” she stated, adding that her dogs are well trained and will not cause damage.
She explained that Ash dislikes being left alone. “It sometimes hurts to leave him at the house by himself,” Sabalenka said.
Fellow player Paula Badosa supports the current policy because she fears dogs after a childhood incident. Wimbledon permits only service or security dogs on site.
