Tennis legend Martina Navratilova was refused entry to The Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon after arriving with her dog Lulu carried in a shoulder bag.
The 18-time Grand Slam champion, who has been covering the tournament for BBC, was turned away from the restaurant due to their pet policy.
Navratilova shared a photograph of herself standing outside the establishment with Lulu visible in her bag.
The 68-year-old former World No 1 was forced to seek alternative dining arrangements after staff declined to allow her pet inside the venue.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova was refused entry to The Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon after arriving with her dog Lulu carried in a shoulder bag
PA
The incident occurred whilst the tennis icon was attempting to have dinner at the popular Wimbledon restaurant during the tournament period.
Navratilova took to social media platform X to shed light on the snub.
“Well- tried to have dinner at the Ivy at Wimbledon, but they won’t allow Lulu into the restaurant- so plan B,” wrote the tennis legend.
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However, her post split opinion on the platform with some fans insisting that animals shouldn't be taken into spaces where people are eating and drinking.
“Ew. People, please stop trying to take your dogs where people purchase and eat food. Thank you," said one user.
A second stated: “Well done to the staff that must have had tremendous pressure on them to make the rules apply to everyone, knowing full well who you are."
Well- tried to have dinner at the Ivy at Wimbledon, but they won’t allow Lulu into the restaurant- so plan B pic.twitter.com/mpNzsepgBx
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) July 8, 2025
Yet Navratilova had no time for their complaints.
“She is on the floor. Get over it," the Wimbledon legend retorted.
Other fans instead chose to praise Navratilova and her decision to seek alternative dining arrangements, instead of arguing with staff.
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“You are such a class act..how many people who aren’t nowhere near as legendary as you are would have tried to pull rank?" said one.
Another added: “Martina cannot be in? Becuase of Lulu? @Wimbledon please fix this. Martina should be allowed in any place of this universe where the word tennis is recognised."
Wimbledon resumes on Wednesday.
Martina Navratilova won nine Wimbledon titles during her playing days
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Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic are both in action, with the pair set to face Ben Shelton and Flavio Cobolli respectively.
In the women's singles, Iga Swiatek will lock horns with Liudmila Samsonova - while Mirra Andreeva faces Belinda Bencic.
On Tuesday, Carlos Alcaraz beat Cam Norrie as he continues his quest for a third straight Wimbledon title.
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