'We have to change that' - Aryna Sabalenka begs Wimbledon to reverse rule on policy which 'hurts her feelings'

World No.1 female tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has begged Wimbledon to reverse a rule which she says "hurts my feelings".

Aryna Sabalenka is competing in this year's tennis tournaments at SW19 and is into the fourth round after wins over Teodora Kostovic, McCartney Kessler and Jeļena Ostapenko Ostapenko.

Sabalenka is hoping to win Wimbledon for the first time, having reached the semi-final on two occasions.

But the Belarusian has expressed frustration with a policy in place at Wimbledon which does not allow her to bring her dog to All England Club.

The four-time Grand Slam winner regularly brings her pooch Ash on tour with her and was first pictured with the pet back in March at Indian Wells.

READ MORE: Strict Wimbledon bosses issue ban after tennis player's kit breaks code

However, Ash has not been allowed to be with her at Wimbledon because of the All England Club bans dogs inside the venues.

Upset that she has to leave her dog at home alone, Sabalenka has now called for Wimbledon to change their stance.

"I don't agree with that," Sabalenka said.

"I can understand why they made this decision.

"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.

"I have to say all of our dogs are very well-trained. They're not going to do anything wrong inside this beautiful building.

"We have to change that. It just sometimes hurts to leave him at the house by himself. He really gets attached a lot. But he suffers staying alone. It really hurts my feelings.

"It's just like a little fluffy thing that always wants 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."

Wimbledon's dog policy explained as exceptions named

Dogs are allowed at Roland-Garros in France but Wimbledon's rules on the pets are very clear. Site rules state: "Dogs must not be brought onto AELTC sites by anyone, except for service dogs (i. e. guide dogs, hearing dogs, mobility dogs, seizure alert/response dogs, autism dogs). Within the Main Grounds designed spending area for service doges is the Orchard at the top of Aorangi Terrace."

Wimbledon is known for many strict traditions around dress code but Coco Gauff does understood why the rule is in place for dogs and believes it is necessary for safety reasons.

She stated: "I wouldn't mind them around the site, but I just definitely think, because there's been times where I almost stepped on somebody's dog, almost threw a medicine ball at someone's dog.

"You don't want to hurt an animal. I definitely think in the gym where there's already 50 million players doing a million different things.

"Last year, I don't want to call out the player, but someone threw a medicine ball at me. If I was a little dog, that would freaking hurt. In the gym, no. In the locker room, no. Maybe in the food areas no, because of cleanliness.

"Everything else, go ahead, be free, run around with your dog. I definitely am someone who when they're in the gym, I feel a bit nervy because there are a lot of them. There have been close calls."

Sabalenka will return to action in the fourth round against former world No.1 Naomi Osaka.