Overview

• Martina Navratilova was refused service at The Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon Village when she tried to dine with her dog while on BBC commentary duties.
• Navratilova posted on X that she had to resort to a backup dining plan after Lulu was not permitted under the venue’s no-dog policy.
• Brad Gilbert, former coach to Coco Gauff, joined the conversation on X by criticizing the cafe and asserting that dogs are better behaved than some diners.
• The Ivy Cafe’s enforcement underscores that Wimbledon Village establishments maintain strict pet bans even for past champions who receive All England Club membership automatically.
• Social media reactions have highlighted tensions between longstanding event regulations and growing calls for pet-friendly accommodations at major sporting venues.