Aryna Sabalenka has pleaded with Wimbledon to change one of its long-standing policies, admitting the current rule “hurts” her and insisting she does not agree with it.
The world No 1 made the emotional appeal after revealing she hates being separated from her beloved pet dog Ash during the Championships because animals are not permitted inside the All England Club.
Sabalenka, who is through to the third round where she will face Jelena Ostapenko, has travelled extensively with Ash this season after first introducing the puppy during the tournament at Indian Wells in March.
The Belarusian has since taken her companion to events throughout the European clay-court campaign, but Wimbledon regulations have forced her to leave the dog behind while competing in south-west London.
Speaking after her latest victory, Sabalenka admitted she understands why the rule exists but believes it should be reconsidered.
“I don’t agree with that,” she said.
“I can understand why they made this decision.
“Obviously if the dog does something wrong inside of this historical place, it’s probably going to take a bit of time to replace. They’re probably afraid of damage inside.
Aryna Sabalenka has pleaded with Wimbledon to change one of its long-standing policies, admitting the current rule “hurts” her and insisting she does not agree with it
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“I have to say all of our dogs are very well-trained. They’re not going to do anything wrong inside this beautiful building.
“We have to change that.
“It just sometimes hurts to leave him at the house by himself. He really gets attached a lot. But he suffers staying alone. It really hurts my feelings.
“It’s just like a little fluffy thing that always wants cuddles and love.
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“Going to the park with him, walking around, is also like some sort of meditation for me.
“Wimbledon, please, I beg you, let the dogs inside.”
Sabalenka’s comments quickly sparked debate, with fellow Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff offering a more cautious view on whether dogs should be allowed around tournament venues.
Although the American stressed she loves dogs, she believes there are practical and safety concerns that organisers also have to consider.
“I love dogs,” Gauff said.
“I definitely think there’s a place and time for them. I do love them.
“This is also different because this is held at a club, which I don’t think they allow dogs anyways in general. So I respect the rules.
“But I definitely think there are certain places dogs shouldn’t be for safety reasons, like the gym and the locker room, where sometimes I see dogs.”
Aryna Sabalenka pictured with her dog earlier this year
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Gauff then revealed she had experienced several near misses involving dogs at tournaments.
“I wouldn’t mind them around the site, but I just definitely think, because there’s been times where I almost stepped on somebody’s dog, almost threw a medicine ball at someone’s dog.
“You don’t want to hurt an animal.
“I definitely think in the gym where there’s already 50 million players doing a million different things.
“Last year, I don’t want to call out the player, but someone threw a medicine ball at me. If I was a little dog, that would freaking hurt.
“In the gym, no. In the locker room, no. Maybe in the food areas no, because of cleanliness.
“Everything else, go ahead, be free, run around with your dog.
“I definitely am someone who when they’re in the gym, I feel a bit nervy because there are a lot of them. There have been close calls.”
