Martina Navratilova reveals she was refused entry at Wimbledon restaurant

Daily Mirror

09-07-2025

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has revealed she was denied entry into a restaurant in Wimbledon because of her dog, leading many social media users to weigh in
Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has revealed she was refused entry to a Wimbledon restaurant and that staff there had 'no idea' who she was. The 68-year-old, who boasts an unrivalled 20 Wimbledon titles, including nine women's singles victories, attempted to dine at The Ivy Cafe on Tuesday night but was turned away due to the presence of her pet dog, Lulu.
Navratilova, who is part of the BBC 's Wimbledon coverage team this month, shared her thwarted dinner plans on social media.
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Posting a picture of herself and Lulu outside the restaurant, she wrote: "Well - tried to have dinner at the Ivy at Wimbledon, but they won't allow Lulu into the restaurant - so plan B."
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She later revealed that she ended up enjoying a pasta dish at Cent Anni, a local Italian eatery. Her post has since been viewed over 1.6million times, sparking a flurry of comments from followers. Opinions were divided over the restaurant's decision to turn her away.
One user commended the staff for applying the rules equally, regardless of Navratilova's fame. To which the tennis star replied: "They had no idea. I could have sat outside but then I couldn't eat because of all the people walking by. So sweet of you anyway," reports the Express.
One user commended the no-pet policy, stating: "Ew. People, please stop trying to take your dogs where people purchase and eat food. Thank you." Navratilova was quick to respond: "She is on the floor. Get over it."
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Conversely, another individual urged Wimbledon to make an exception for Navratilova due to her legendary status at the All England Club, saying: "Martina cannot be in? Because of Lulu? @Wimbledon please fix this. Martina should be allowed in any place of this universe where the word tennis is recognised..."
Navratilova has been providing commentary at Wimbledon this year and shared a humorous exchange with fellow BBC commentator Nick Mullins before they were set to cover Mirra Andreeva's fourth-round win over Emma Navarro.
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Before going live, the BBC showed footage of Conchita Martinez defeating Navratilova in the 1994 Wimbledon final on Centre Court.
Mullins began by reminiscing: "Now 47 years ago to the day, July 7, 1978, Martina Navratilova won the first of her nine Wimbledon singles titles."
To which the tennis legend replied: "I did not know that it was the same day but yeah we are now a week later so that's why it's happening like this but a nice reminder, thank you very much.
"A much better reminder than what they [BBC] read before, Conchita beating me in 94." Mullins then chimed in: "I was going to bring that up... well, [we] might chat about that as this match wears on."
Navratilova responded with a touch of humour: "Let's not. Just kidding."