Every since WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka introduced her Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy, Ash, to the tennis world, fans have been wondering what prompted her to get a dog and where his name came from.

The newly engaged Sabalenka visited the Tennis Channel desk with Ash after an impressive straight set win over Naomi Osaka, in only the second career meeting between the two, and the first since 2018.

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Ash is Sabalenka’s good luck charm. She is undefeated since adopting him.

How Sabalenka came upon the name Ash

Aryna Sabalenka said that she had an agreement with her coach Anton Dubrov that if she won the US Open last fall, she would get a dog.

Of course, the world watched Sabalenka be crowned the champion in New York City, and she knew a dog was in her future.

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Because a win at the US Open was contingent upon the deal, Sabalenka opted to name her puppy after something or someone New York related.

Ash’s namesake is US tennis legend Arthur Ashe. Sabalenka chose to drop the silent e in the spelling of her puppy’s name.

Aryna Sabalenka is the first WTA player into the Indian Wells quarterfinals

Sabalenka has played outstanding tennis in Indian Wells this year. This tournament has been life changing for her off the court as she got engaged to longtime boyfriend Georgios Frangulis before she stepped foot on the court for her first match.

She is the first player into the quarterfinals and desperately wants to add a BNP Paribas Open title to her resume, it is one that has eluded the two-time finalist.

Sabalenka awaits the winner of the Round of 16 match between Victoria Mboko and Amanda Anisimova. Her quarterfinal match will be played on Thursday at a time yet to be determined.

Watch the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells now through March 15 on the Tennis Channel.

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