Secret doggy paddling pool
Aryna Sabalenka has urged Wimbledon to reverse its policy that bans players from bringing their dogs into the grounds, but there is no suggestion that the All England Club doesn’t love our canine friends. In fact, it even has a secret doggy paddling pool – and doggy toilet area – behind Henman Hill. Mostly the pool is used by security dogs, but anyone with a guide dog is free to use it, and Wimbledon expects it to be popular with temperatures due to rise to 31C next week.
As for Sabalenka, she has promised that her dogs will not cause any damage if the All England Club changes its mind. “I can understand why they made this decision,” she said after beating McCartney Kessler on Wednesday. “Obviously if the dog does something wrong inside of this historical place, it’s probably going to take a bit of time to replace. They’re probably afraid of damage inside. But I have to say all of our dogs are very well trained.
“It just sometimes hurts to leave him at the house by himself,” she added. “He suffers staying alone. It really hurts my feelings. It’s just like a 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. Wimbledon, please, I beg you, let the dogs inside!” But that call, for now, is unlikely to be heeded.
Hawk set to go on
Speaking of animals, Wimbledon officials have played down suggestions that Rufus the Hawk might be slowing down after turning 18. Rufus has been patrolling the courts since the 2008 championships, when he was 16 weeks old, but there have been some concerns given that hawks tend to live between 20 and 30 years. However, those fears are said to be unfounded – and Rufus also has help from six “fake” owls at Wimbledon that also deter pigeons from destroying the grass.
Rory roar on Centre Court
There was a particularly raucous reception for the members of the Royal Box on Wednesday. Among the business and sport leaders in the best seats in the house were also several members of Europe’s successful Ryder Cup team, including captain Luke Donald, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy. McIlroy even rolled out his Green Jacket from Augusta for the occasion – although he is not the first to do so as Danny Willett also did the same after his victory in 2016.
Strawberry towels anyone?
As always, Wimbledon’s official £40 towels have been the most popular seller this year – but there has been a surprise twist. Usually the ‘classic’ green and purple ends up selling better. However, in the opening few days of the Championships a “strawberry red” colour towel, which has been introduced as a one-off this year, is outselling it. “We always change the colour of our second towel every year,” one insider said, “but it is unusual for it to outsell the traditional one.” Used balls also continue to sell well, while those looking for an official Wimbledon melamine picnic cup are likely to be disappointed – it has already sold out.
