Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has told of being turned away from the Ivy cafe at Wimbledon due to her dog.
The nine-time women’s singles champion at the All-England Club is said to have been denied service after trying to bring along her pet named 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 updated with attempts to get into Wimbledon, only to post: ‘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, has received online support after posting her updates about 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.’
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.’
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.’