Ever since WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka introduced her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, Ash, to the tennis world, fans have wondered why she got the dog and where his name came from.
The newly engaged Sabalenka visited the Tennis Channel desk with Ash following her impressive straight sets win over Naomi Osaka. This was the second career meeting between the two and the first since 2018.
More: Indian Wells’ defending champion Mirra Andreeva loses her composure in defeat
Ash is Sabalenka’s good luck talisman. She is undefeated since adopting him.
Why Sabalenka got the name Ash
Aryna Sabalenka said she and coach Anton Dubrov agreed to get a dog if she won the US Open last fall.
Of course, the world watched Sabalenka be crowned champion in New York City and she knew dogs were in her future.
More: The real (pathetic) reason why Venus Williams and Leila Fernandez didn’t play doubles in Indian Wells
Since victory at the US Open depended on the deal, Sabalenka decided to name her puppy after something or someone associated with New York.
Ash’s full name is American tennis legend Arthur Ashe. Sabalenka decided to drop the silent e from the spelling of her dog’s name.
Aryna Sabalenka is the first WTA player to reach the quarterfinals of Indian Wells.
Sabalenka played outstanding tennis at Indian Wells this year. The tournament changed her life off the court, as she became engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, before she stepped on the court for her first match.
She is the first player to reach the quarterfinals and has eluded two finalists as she desperately wants to add a BNP Paribas Open title to her resume.
Arina Sabalenka defeated Naomi Osaka 6-2, 6-4 in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open held in Indian Wells, California on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Sabalenka awaits the winner of the round of 16 match between Victoria Mboko and Amanda Anisimova. Her quarterfinal match will be played on Thursday, which has yet to be determined.
Watch the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells from now until March 15 on Tennis Channel.
— Enjoy The Big Lead’s top news and popular stories for free. —
NFL: 2026 NFL free agency’s biggest Day 1 winners
World Baseball Classic: Randy Arozarena criticized Cal Raleigh for refusing to shake his hand at the WBC.
NBA: Adam Silver sends message after canceling Hawks’ Magic Monday promotion
Paralympic Games: 2026 Winter Paralympics medal tally rankings entering March 10
Virus: Wasserman Agency Cancels Disgraced Founder, Reveals New Name
