Overview
- On July 8, Martina Navratilova was turned away from The Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon Village because its policy bars dogs except for certified assistance animals
- She opted for Cent Anni as her “plan B” dining spot where Lulu was welcomed and praised the venue’s quiet atmosphere and pasta
- Both The Ivy Cafe and the All England Lawn Tennis Club enforce strict no-pet rules citing liability and hygiene standards
- Former ATP coach Brad Gilbert’s remark “That’s ridiculous dogs are better behaved” and social media responses underscored tensions between celebrity privilege and rule consistency
- The episode echoes past incidents like Roger Federer’s 2022 entry refusal over a missing membership card, highlighting equal enforcement of Wimbledon regulations