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World number one Aryna Sabalenka is chasing her first Wimbledon title but is also hoping to get the All England Club to relax one of its strict rules.
Sabalenka has been the dominant force in the women’s game over the past three years, winning four Grand Slams since the start of 2023.
The 28-year-old has claimed two Australian Open and US Open titles but is yet to be crowned champion at Wimbledon or Roland Garros.
Sabalenka has made a strong start to her Wimbledon campaign, winning her first two games without dropping a set.
The Belarusian was in high spirits after her second-round victory over McCartney Kessler, insisting she was ‘super happy’ with her performance against the American.
But the best female tennis player in the world did publicly request for Wimbledon to relax its no-animals policy and allow players to bring pets into SW19.
In Wimbledon’s Conditions of Entry guidelines, it is stated that ‘attendees are prohibited from bringing any animals into the AELTC Premises, with the exception of Certified Assistance Dogs’.
That it common for sporting events but the French Open have allowed players to bring pets into Roland Garros, even providing a ‘Dog Concierge’ to handle animals on site.
Asked about Wimbledon’s firmer policy after her second-round win, Sabalenka said: ‘I don’t agree with that.
‘Well, I can understand why they made this decision. Obviously if the dog does something wrong inside of this historical place, its probably going to take a bit of time to replace. They’re probably afraid of damage.
‘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.
‘It just sometimes hurts to leave him [her dog] at the house by himself. He really get attached a lot. But he suffers staying alone. It really hurts my feeling.
‘It’s just like little fluffy thing that always want cuddles and love. Going to the park with him, walking around, is also like some sort of meditation for me.’
Sabalenka added while smirking: ‘So Wimbledon, please, I beg you, let the dogs inside.’
Discussing her dominant win over America’s Kessler, Sabalenka said: ‘I’m super happy, extremely happy.
‘It was great to be able to close it in straight sets. That was very tough battle and I’m super happy I was able to handle it.’
Sabalenka now turns her attention to a third-round clash with Jeļena Ostapenko, who beat Great Britain’s Harriet Dart in the first round.
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