Wimbledon star Aryna Sabalenka says the tournament’s policy banning players from bringing their dogs along has hurt her feelings. The No. 1 seed, who has sailed through her opening two singles matches in straight sets, has opened up about her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — named Ash — and how the latest addition to her team has helped her mental well-being.
The French Open provided a dog concierge service to assist with players’ pets at Roland Garros. However, the All England Club maintains a no-dog policy with the sole exception of service dogs.
“I don’t agree with that,” Sabalenka said with a smile when asked for her feelings on the no-dog policy. “Well, I can understand why they made this decision. Obviously if the dog does something wrong inside of this historical place, probably going to take a bit of time to replace.
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“They’re probably afraid of damages inside. I have to say all of our dogs are very well-trained. They’re not going to do anything wrong inside of this beautiful building. We have to change that.”
The Belarusian star added: “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. 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 (smiling).”
View 2 ImagesSabalenka celebrated with her puppy Ash at the Miami Open(Image: Getty)
All England Club CEO Sally Bolton addressed the matter at a press conference ahead of the tournament. “The only dogs that we permit on site are service dogs, and those security and search dogs. We’re in constant communication with the players, and we don’t anticipate that being a problem, but that’s our policy and always has been our policy,” Bolton said.
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During her run to victory at Indian Wells earlier this year, Sabalenka brought Ash along with her to a post-match interview after defeating Naomi Osaka. “I feel like I’m much more settled, calm, more in control,” she said. “Whenever I feel like going crazy on my team, I just pet Ash and I feel better.”
At SW19, the 28-year-old dispatched McCartney Kessler 6-1, 7-6 to set up a clash with Jelena Ostapenko. Latvian star Ostapenko beat Antonia Ruzic, who had been due to face Emma Raducanu in round one before the Brit withdrew.
“Yeah, super happy to get this win,” Sabalenka said after beating Kessler. “I’m extremely happy I was able to close it in straight sets. That was a very tough battle and I’m super happy I was able to handle it.”