“You Will Be Missed” – Martina Navratilova’s Wife Julia Shares Emotional Message After Heartbreaking Personal LossSudipto Pati Sat, October 24, 2026 at 12:59 AM UTC
Julia Lemigova and Martina Navratilova © Instagram/julialemigova
Martina Navratilova’s wife, Julia Lemigova, has shared an emotional message after suffering a heartbreaking personal loss – the death of Abby, her black-and-white mixed-breed pet dog, most likely a pit bull-type or terrier mix. Lemigova’s message also featured several pictures showing Abby’s growth from an adorable young pup to a fully grown dog and how the pet brought immense love and joy to the Russian former model’s family.
On Thursday, October 22, Lemigova took to her Instagram Stories and shared two posts featuring the pictures and her emotional message. The 54-year-old, who married former World No. 1 women’s tennis superstar Navratilova in late 2014, captioned the first post:
“Our Abby crossed over the rainbow bridge 😢 She was such an amazing part of this family and will be dearly missed ❤️”
Echoing the same sentiments through the caption of the second post, Lemigova added:
“Abby you will be so missed ❤️”
Lemigova’s emotional messages after the passing of her pet dog Abby (Source: Instagram/julialemigova)
Both Navratilova and Lemigova are dog lovers, with Lulu, a miniature dachshund, and Zorro, a large Belgian Malinois, being their pets that have drawn considerable attention because of the pictures the couple has shared on social media over the years. In tennis, Navratilova has notably voiced her support for players traveling with dogs.
“We must change the rules” – Martina Navratilova’s criticism of the Wimbledon Championships’ strict no-dog policy
At this year’s Wimbledon Championships, Aryna Sabalenka bemoaned the grass Major’s no-dog policy. Talking to reporters at a press conference, Sabalenka, bemoaning the fact that she could not bring her pet dog, Ash, to the All England Club, said, as per The Telegraph:
“It really hurts my feelings. It’s just like a little fluffy thing that always wants to cuddle 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.”
Martina Navratilova, being a dog lover herself, empathized with Sabalenka and told Tennis Channel:
“I need to become the president so I can change the rule. The quarantine, that’s a baloney excuse, as is the grass. They just don’t want dogs here. But I think one day they will change. I’m a member here. I insist we must change the rules. These players give up so much to be on the road. At least they can bring their dog with them. And here they make it really complicated.”
Navratilova won 18 Major singles titles during her playing career and continues to make high-profile appearances at tennis’ biggest tournaments, mostly as an analyst and commentator.
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Source: Nature