INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 ranked women’s tennis player, is turning heads at the BNP Paribas Open not just for her dominant play, but for her constant companion: a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Ash. The Belarusian star has openly credited her new puppy with providing crucial mental health support as she navigates the pressures of the tournament and her presence has sparked a range of reactions from fellow players.
Sabalenka’s bond with Ash is evident. She brought the puppy to a post-match interview following her round-of-16 victory over Naomi Osaka on Wednesday, allowing commentators to pet and interact with the dog while she spoke. “I feel like I’m much more settled, calm, more in control,” Sabalenka explained. “Whenever I feel like going crazy on my team, I just pet Ash and I feel better.”
The story behind Ash’s arrival is a charming one. Sabalenka revealed she had a deal with her coach, Anton Dubrov, that if she won the 2023 US Open, she would gain a dog. She considered a Dachshund, but ultimately chose a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel because of fond childhood memories. “My mom had a spaniel and I loved that dog,” she said, adding that they are known to be excellent “family dogs.”
The name “Ash” itself is a thoughtful nod to American tennis history. Sabalenka wanted a name connected to New York and the US Open, ultimately settling on Ash as a tribute to Arthur Ashe, the tennis legend and civil rights activist for whom the US Open’s main stadium court is named. “Apple doesn’t sound right,” she joked when explaining her thought process.
Sabalenka’s openness about her mental well-being and the positive impact Ash has had on her game is resonating with fans and fellow athletes alike. Marie Bouzková, speaking to Canal+ Sport 2, observed that the BNP Paribas Open seems to be a particularly dog-friendly tournament. “We met Aryna with her dog on the first day, and we immediately thought this is a tournament where you see the most dogs regularly,” Bouzková said.
Mirra Andreeva, the defending champion, is also enjoying the company of a canine companion, bringing her dog Rassy to the California desert. However, not all players share the enthusiasm for four-legged friends on the grounds.
Slovakian tennis player Tereza Mihalíková recounted a near-miss during a training session in Montreal. “I remember training in the gym with a medicine ball and almost stepped on two small dogs that were running around freely. The owner was stretching and wasn’t paying attention at all. I wouldn’t take them to places like that, it’s just dangerous,” she stated.
Kateřina Siniaková of the Czech Republic, a dog owner herself, understands both the joy and the responsibility of traveling with a pet. “If you want to take them with you, you have to keep a close eye on them, especially in places where you’re exercising. But it’s definitely a nice change when you have the opportunity to pet your furry friend anytime,” she added.
So far, Ash appears to be a lucky charm for Sabalenka. She has advanced to the semifinals in Indian Wells, where she will face Linda Nosková. The presence of her canine companion seems to be contributing to a sense of calm and focus that is translating into success on the court.
The growing trend of players traveling with their pets highlights the increasing emphasis on mental well-being within the demanding world of professional tennis. While logistical challenges and safety concerns need to be addressed, the positive impact a furry friend can have on an athlete’s emotional state is becoming increasingly clear.
Sabalenka’s success in Indian Wells, coupled with her openness about the support she receives from Ash, is likely to inspire other players to consider the benefits of bringing their own companions on tour. It’s a testament to the power of the human-animal bond, even at the highest levels of professional sport.
Aryna Sabalenka will continue her quest for the Indian Wells title in the semifinals against Linda Nosková. The match is scheduled for [verify match time and date] at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Fans can follow the action live on Tennis Channel and streaming platforms.
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