Latest news with #Navratilova
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nine-time Wimbledon champion refused entry to The Ivy restaurant over strict rule
Nine-time Wimbledon winner Martina Navratilova was snubbed by a posh restaurant after arriving with her dog. The Czech-American star tried to visit The Ivy in Wimbledon Village yesterday evening (Tuesday, July 8), but was unable to bring her dog, Lulu, inside. Taking to X to explain her ordeal, the 68-year-old wrote: "Well- tried to have dinner at the Ivy at Wimbledon, but they won't allow Lulu into the restaurant- so plan B." The Ivy website states there are strict rules about pets not being allowed inside restaurants, except for guide dogs and emotional support animals. READ MORE: North London landlord tries to hike rent but it backfires massively as tenant goes to tribunal READ MORE: Woman shares shocking list of 6 rules from estate agents to rent a flat in London Navratilova has been working as a BBC commentator at Wimbledon following her major success at the South London tournament, winning singles titles in 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1990. She also won nine other grand slam singles titles throughout her career. Well- tried to have dinner at the Ivy at Wimbledon, but they won't allow Lulu into the restaurant- so plan B — Martina Navratilova (@Martina) July 8, 2025 Despite these many triumphs, Navratilova endured an awkward moment with fellow BBC commentator Nick Mullins who asked on air about the prospect of re-living one of her defeats on Centre Court. Ahead of a fourth round match between Mirra Andreeva and Emma Navarro, Navratilova briefly mentioned her defeat to Andreeva's coach Conchita Martinez in the final in 1994 Mullins then said: "I was going to bring that up… well might chat about that as this match wears on." Only for Navratilova to cut in and sharply reply: "Let's not. Just kidding." Stay updated on the top South London stories. Sign up to our MySouthLondon newsletter HERE for the latest daily news and more.
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Martina Navratilova reveals she was refused entry at Wimbledon restaurant
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. 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." 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." 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. 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."
Mint
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
9-time Wimbledon champion denied entry to Wimbledon cafe — here's what happened
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova may be no stranger to iconic moments at Wimbledon, but this week, it wasn't Centre Court that made headlines — it was dinner plans gone slightly awry in the heart of Wimbledon Village. Hoping for a relaxed evening at the ever-popular Ivy Wimbledon Brasserie, Navratilova was turned away when staff wouldn't allow her beloved dog, Lulu, inside. In a tweet that's now making waves on social media, Navratilova shared her experience of being turned away from the popular restaurant because her beloved dog, Lulu, wasn't allowed in. 'Well — tried to have dinner at The Ivy at Wimbledon, but they won't allow Lulu into the restaurant,' she wrote. To this one user asked if she had the Lulu with her in Hong Kong. The tennis star repleied 'never'. But Navratilova didn't let the setback spoil her evening. Instead, she pivoted to a trusted favourite, affectionately dubbing it 'Plan B' — and it came with perks that The Ivy couldn't match. 'Plan B was actually better,' she added, revealing that she ended up enjoying a quiet, quick meal with great pasta — and most importantly, Lulu was welcome. To this, some netizens cheered, 'YAY!!! Glad you found a pet friendly eatery!" Fans quickly rallied behind the tennis icon, praising her down-to-earth attitude and loyal love for her four-legged companion. Some even joked that The Ivy missed a golden opportunity by not letting in the most celebrated left-hander in tennis — and her well-behaved pooch. Nine-time Wimbledon winner Martian Navratilova's story struck a chord with dog lovers and foodies alike, proving that sometimes the most memorable evenings are the unplanned ones — especially when they include pasta and pups. In 2022, 20-time Grand Slam champion and tennis great Roger Federer revealed he was denied entry to Wimbledon because he was unable to produce a membership card. Speaking to Daily Show host Trevor Noah, the 41-year-old explained how he was initially rejected from the All England Club by a security guard after hoping to visit while in London. 'The doctor's appointment was done, I looked at the watch and saw we had two hours to kill, so we thought we could have tea at Wimbledon,' the 2008 Olympic champion began. 'I have not really been at Wimbledon when the tournament is not on, so I drive up to the gate where usually guests come in, where you would arrive and then go up. I get out and tell my coach who was with me at the time, Severin, I tell him I'll quickly go out and speak to the security lady, I got this. Federer approached the member of security asking if he could enter only to be questioned by the rule-abiding guard if he has a membership card. All winners of Wimbledon are gifted membership automatically meaning Federer has multiple cards but he did not have his on him at the time: 'I don't know about memebership cards; they're probably at home somewhere. and I've just been travelling so I have no idea. So I'm like, 'No I don't have my membership card. But I am a member. I'm just wondering where I can get in?' And she says, 'But you have to be a member'.' After it became clear security wasn't going to let the Swiss star - one of the most recognisable faces in tennis - into the club with a card, he confessed he told her of his achievements in a bid to be granted access: 'I'm in a panic now, and I feel so bad about this but I look at her and say, 'I've won this tournament eight times. Please believe me, I am a member. Where do I get in?'" When his final protestation didn't work Federer and his coach tried another gate where, luck would have it, a fan immediately recognised him. Security guards nearby on the walkway also spotted the retired tennis player, prompting a much more welcoming reaction: 'The security guards are there, they're like 'Oh my God Mr Federer, what are you doing here? Do you have your membership card?' I'm like, no I don't, but is it possible to get in? 'Of course, we'll open the door, let me organise it'.'
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tennis great Martina Navratilova denied entry into posh café due her dog during Wimbledon trip; netizens congratulate staff
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova was denied entry to The Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon , England, because she was accompanied by her pet dog, Lulu. The 18-time Grand Slam champion shared a photo of herself standing outside the restaurant with Lulu resting in a bag slung over her shoulder. Navratilova, who is in London as part of the BBC 's Wimbledon coverage team, indicated that she had to make alternative dining arrangements. 'Well—tried to have dinner at the Ivy at Wimbledon, but they won't allow Lulu into the restaurant—so plan B,' she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). According to a subsequent post, she went to Cent Anni , an Italian restaurant nearby, where she had pasta. Online reactions and divided opinions Her post attracted widespread attention, accumulating over a million views and generating a mix of support and criticism. While some users applauded Navratilova's restraint in not using her celebrity status to override the rules, others defended the restaurant's no-pet policy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo — Martina (@Martina) One user commented, 'Ew. People, please stop trying to take your dogs where people purchase and eat food. Thank you.' Navratilova responded, 'She is on the floor. Get over it.' The user replied further, 'No thanks. Live Events Dog fur flies through the air, landing in food and causing allergic reactions. Dogs don't cover their mouths when they sneeze. Dogs smell. Dogs attack each other and are more difficult to control when the owner is eating and food is around. Why do YOU think most health departments forbid bringing dogs into restaurants?' — JeannaHoch (@JeannaHoch) Support for staff and calls for exceptions Another commenter praised the restaurant staff for treating all customers equally. 'Well done to the staff that must have had tremendous pressure on them to make the rules apply to everyone, knowing full well who you are,' the user wrote. Navratilova responded by stating that the staff had no idea who she was. Some users questioned whether a more flexible approach should have been taken. 'You are such a class act… how many people who aren't nowhere near as legendary as you are would have tried to pull rank?' one post read. Another said, '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…' Establishment policy and broader debate The Ivy Cafe, part of a well-known restaurant chain, typically enforces a no-pets policy. As of now, the establishment has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
USA Today
05-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Who has won most women's Wimbledon titles? Martina Navratilova reigns supreme
Novak Djokovic is hoping to tie Roger Federer's record of eight men's single titles at Wimbledon in 2025. Even if Djokovic achieves that goal, he still won't have the most overall singles titles at tennis' oldest and most prestigious majors. That honor belongs to one of the greatest women's tennis players in the sport's history. Who has the most women's Wimbledon titles? Here's what to know about the event's winningest participant and its history. Who has the most women's Wimbledon wins? Martina Navratilova has the most Wimbledon singles titles – both among women and overall – in the event's history. She won the title nine times during her career, half of her 18 total Grand Slam titles. Her first Wimbledon victory came in 1978 while her last was in 1990. Navratilova won Wimbledon six consecutive times between 1982 and 1987. She also won seven doubles and four mixed doubles titles at the major during her competitive career. No current players are close to challenging Navratilova's women's record. Among active players, only Petra Kvitova has won multiple Wimbledon titles. She lost in Round 1 of the 2025 tournament to 10th-seeded American Emma Navarro. And in the overall category, only Djokovic is in striking distance. The 38-year-old would need to win Wimbledon twice more to tie Navratilova for the most overall singles titles in the event's history. MOST MEN'S WIMBLEDON TITLES: Novak Djokovic chasing history in 2025 Most Wimbledon women's titles full list A total of 16 women have won Wimbledon at least three times. They are as follows (includes pre-Open era):
