Djokovic's pup not allowed in UK
World No. 2 Novak Djokovic was facing anguish off the tennis court after being told he cannot bring his beloved pet poodle Pierre to Wimbledon, The (London) Sunday Telegraph reported.
The Serbian, seeded second at the All England Club, crushed a racket in anger Saturday night before he doggedly overcame Marcos Baghdatis in four sets to reach the fourth round.
But it later emerged the source of the 24 year old's frustration could be restricted puppy love after his white toy poodle, who traveled with him during his outstanding clay-court season, was denied entry to Britain.
Djokovic was said to be fighting Pierre's case "at the highest level," a potential distraction as he prepared to face No. 19 seed Michael Llodra of France on Monday.
"He is upset he can't bring Pierre to Wimbledon and he is pleading with the authorities to let the dog in," a source close to the player said. "Whenever he can, he takes the dog with him. He is genuinely upset. For him this is a very serious issue."
After he was photographed with the player in Paris, Pierre's profile rose with a cover spot alongside his sporting owner on the July edition of fashion magazine L'Uomo Vogue.
The poodle even has his own Twitter page, no doubt with a little help from Djokovic, telling his followers after the cover shoot, "Fame has clearly gone to my head. Form an orderly queue for paw-tographs."
ot over the prospect of having to beat Roger and Andy or Rafa to win his first Wimbledon title - but over the refusal of authorities to allow his pet poodle Pierre into the country.
It is understood that Djokovic is making representations "at the highest level" to try to ensure Pierre arrives at Wimbledon in time for the tournament's second week.
The dog, to whom he is devoted, has been an ever present during the European clay court season, which Djokovic dominated until losing for the only time this year in the French Open semi-finals.
Pierre was even spotted in Paris, sat on a cushion at a table cafe next to the tennis player who fed him noodles.
"He is upset he can't bring Pierre to Wimbledon and he is pleading with the authorities to let the dog in," said a source in the Djokovic camp. "Whenever he can he takes the dog with him. he is genuinely upset. For him this is a very serious issue."
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