Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has revealed how she was turned away from the Ivy Cafe at Wimbledon due to her dog.
The nine-time women’s singles champion at the All-England Club said she had been denied service after trying to bring along her pet Lulu.
Navratilova shared a photo of the dog on X, formerly Twitter, as she told her 462,000 followers on the social media site of her setback.
The Czech-born US national shared a frowning-face emoji as she wrote: ‘Well – tried to have dinner at the Ivy at Wimbledon, but they won’t allow Lulu into the restaurant – so plan B.’
The star told of going to a nearby Italian restaurant called Cent Anni instead, sharing a photo outside and saying: ‘Plan B was actually better – always a nice quiet and quick meal, great pasta and Lulu is welcome:), here with the big boss:)’
She had also reveaed how Lulu is also banned from the tennis tournament inself: ‘Lulu wants to come with me to watch me play… but she will have to wait as no dogs allowed at the Club. Maybe next year.’
Navratilova, 68, received online support after sticking up for the pet she told fans was a ‘Mini long haired Dachshund’.
One follower asked: ‘Did you not say, “Do you know who I am?”, while another wrote: ‘That’s silly. Would never be an issue in Paris.’
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has told of being turned away from the Ivy restaurant in Wimbledon due to her dog
The nine-time Wimbledon women’s singles champion told of going to a pasta outlet instead
Navratilova, pictured playing at Wimbledon on Tuesday, has updated followers online today
She shared on X, formerly Twitter, her travels with pet dog Lulu
Navratilova has received backing on social media including from chess legend Garry Kasparov
She was also told: ‘Martina should be allowed in any place of this universe where the word tennis is recognised’, as well as: ‘The Ivy missed a legend – ridiculous. Hope they realise!’
And former world chess champion Garry Kasparov responded by saying: ‘You, and Lulu, should be able to go anywhere you want during Wimbledon!’
In her own replies to followers, Navratilova – who has won 18 Grand Slams in women’s singles – provided further details – saying of Ivy staff: ‘They had no idea.
‘I could have sat outside but then I couldn’t eat because of all the people walking by.’
The Ivy’s online policy states: ‘We are unable to allow dogs in the restaurant, however, Registered Assistance Dogs are of course welcome.’
And All-England Club regulations say only animals deemed to be ‘assistance dogs’ are allowed entry.
The rules state: ‘Attendees are also prohibited from bringing any animals into the AELTC Premises, with the exception of Certified Assistance Dogs which are permitted in accordance with the AELTC’s Accessibility Guide.’
