SABALENKA URGES WIMBLEDON TO ALLOW PLAYERS' DOGS ON GROUNDS

Aryna Sabalenka has called on Wimbledon to reverse its policy prohibiting players from bringing dogs into the All England Club grounds. Sabalenka made the appeal after defeating McCartney Kessler on Wednesday. She acknowledged the club's concerns about potential damage to the historic venue but stated that her own dogs are well trained and would not cause harm. Sabalenka described the emotional difficulty of leaving her dog at home alone during the tournament.

The All England Club currently maintains a ban on players' dogs but permits security dogs and guide dogs to access a dedicated paddling pool and toilet area located behind Henman Hill. Officials expect the facility to see increased use as temperatures are forecast to reach 31 degrees Celsius in the coming week. The club has not indicated any intention to change its existing policy regarding players' pets, despite Sabalenka's public appeal.

Separately, Wimbledon officials have downplayed concerns about Rufus the Hawk, the bird that has patrolled the courts since 2008 when aged 16 weeks old. At 18 years old, Rufus remains active in his role of deterring pigeons from damaging the grass, with assistance from six artificial owls deployed across the grounds. Hawks typically live between 20 and 30 years, according to reported information.