The organizers of Wimbledon 2026 confirmed that participants of this prestigious tennis tournament will still not be able to bring their pets to the competition grounds, writes Championat.com.
Aryna Sabalenka's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog named Ash in her owner's arms. Photo: instagram.com/arynasabalenka
This rule has been in effect for many years and applies to both spectators and tennis players. An exception is made only for service dogs: guide dogs, assistance dogs for people with hearing or mobility impairments, dogs that help with epilepsy, autism, and other medical conditions.
Sally Bolton, CEO of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, noted that this is not a new ban and should not come as a surprise to players. Even famous athletes have encountered this rule before. For example, in 2025, legendary tennis player Martina Navratilova was not allowed to enter a restaurant on the Wimbledon grounds with her dog, Lulu.
The topic of dogs at tournaments became popular again after Russian tennis player Mirra Andreeva, following her victory at Roland Garros in 2026, was photographed with the trophy and her coach Conchita Martínez's dog — a Maltipoo named Luna. Andreeva said she loves dogs very much and was happy to share this special moment with Luna, even though it wasn't her own pet. She was unable to bring her own dog, Resi, to Paris.
World number one, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, also often travels with her puppy Ash. At Roland Garros in 2026, the dog even received its own accreditation for the tournament.
Photo: Roland Garros social media
The tennis player admitted that traveling with an animal can be difficult, especially due to the lack of convenient walking areas in city centers, but noted that Ash is calm, intelligent, and adapts well to new environments.
Other tennis players also often come to competitions with their pets. However, not all athletes support a large number of animals at tournaments. American tennis player Madison Keys recounted an incident where one of the dogs made a puddle in the players' lounge area, and the owner didn't clean it up. She was supported by another American, Desirae Krawczyk, who also loves dogs but believes that owners should more responsibly monitor their pets' behavior.
Wimbledon 2026 will take place from June 29 to July 12.
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