Secret doggy paddling pool<\/p>\n
Aryna Sabalenka has urged Wimbledon to reverse its policy that bans players from bringing their dogs into the grounds, but there is no suggestion the All England Club doesn\u2019t love our canine friends. It even has a secret doggy paddling pool \u2013 and doggy toilet area \u2013 behind Henman Hill. The pool is used mostly by security dogs, but anyone with a guide dog is free to use it. Wimbledon expects it to be popular with temperatures due to rise to 31C next week.<\/p>\n
As for Sabalenka, she has promised her dogs will not cause any damage if the All England Club changes its mind. \u201cI can understand why they made this decision,\u201d she said after beating McCartney Kessler on Wednesday. \u201cIf the dog does something wrong inside of this historical place, it\u2019s probably going to take a bit of time to replace. They\u2019re probably afraid of damage inside. But I have to say all of our dogs are very well trained.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt just sometimes hurts to leave him at the house by himself. He suffers staying alone. It really hurts my feelings. It\u2019s 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<\/a>, please, I beg you, let the dogs inside.\u201d But that call, for now, is unlikely to be heeded.<\/p>\n Hawk set to go on<\/p>\n Speaking of animals, Wimbledon officials have played down suggestions that Rufus the Hawk is 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 hawks tend to live between 20 and 30 years. However, those fears are said to be unfounded \u2013 and Rufus also has help from six fake owls that also deter pigeons from destroying the grass.<\/p>\n Rory roar on Centre Court<\/p>\n