Martina Navratilova has been a tennis icon, capturing 18 singles Grand Slam titles – a former World No.1. The list of accolades doesn’t stop. And now she’s a decorated commentator, known for her clear-cut and highly intellectual expert voice during coveted events. One must be thinking that allows her to have special perks wherever she goes. Right? Well, not really. Especially when it comes to carrying her most important companion with her. That’s because the legend’s pet was recently denied entry to an iconic cafe. Wait, really? Yes. And the tennis icon had quite a response to it. And hours later, a former ATP pro and Coco Gauff’s ex-coach came out with a fiery response in support of his compatriot’s furry friend.

So Navratilova is on commentating duties as of now, courtesy of the ongoing event at the All England Club. She’s part of BBC‘s team for the coverage of the 138th edition of the grass major. While everything is going smooth for her, it seems it’s not the case for her beloved pet dog Lulu. In an update posted on July 9, she mentioned how she wasn’t allowed inside the Ivy Cafe at Wimbledon Village on account of Lulu being with her. “Well- tried to have dinner at the Ivy at Wimbledon, but they won’t allow Lulu into the restaurant- so plan B”, Navratilova wrote. Not long after her post, Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert responded while lashing out at the cafe. He simply wrote, “That’s ridiculous dogs are better behaved”

But guess what? As Navratilova mentioned in her initial post, she had a “Plan B” ready. And it worked for her and Lulu. In another update, she revealed a picture from outside a different restaurant at Wimbledon Village, Cent Anni, where she had “a nice quiet and quick meal, great pasta” and, most importantly, Lulu was welcome.

Lulu’s significance for the former WTA legend is huge. So much so that the pet’s even got her own ID so that Navratilova can take her anywhere when traveling for various events across the globe. Remember how she enjoyed an amazing time with the furry friend following the grass major two years ago?

When Martina Navratilova spent precious moments with wife and Lulu at the Wimbledon

After wrapping up her commentating duties at the 2023 Wimbledon, Martina Navratilova didn’t forget to go for a breather. Of course, she had her wife Julia Lemigova for company. But they were also joined by Lulu, as always. The couple went to have an amazing time on the Corsica Island in France.

Sharing a sweet update on social media, Lemigova mentioned how Lulu made their vacation even better. “No matter where we go, the journey is always better with the one you love. ❤️🌅,” she wrote in an Instagram post from August 2023. Additionally, Navratilova also dropped an update from what seemed like the same location, but on her X account. She was seen holding Lulu gently in her arms at the beach. “I think Lulu enjoyed our dinner:)”, she wrote.

Not to mention the adorable pictures from the Roland Garros last month. Yes, Lulu accompanied Navratilova at the 2025 French Open too. Remember the lovely moment the ex-WTA icon shared, also featuring her wife, while holding Lulu? “Sometimes life is a racquet ❤️❤️”, she wrote in the caption.

One can say Navratilova and her furry friend are just inseparable. Don’t you think? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow The Championships in real-time with EssentiallySports’ Live Blog updates.