Aryna Sabalenka introduces new addition to the team

WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka arrives at Tennis Paradise in Indian Wells with an adorable new addition to the team.

Sabalenka is now the proud owner of a puppy named Ash. There is no word on the origin of the name for what appears to be a King Charles Spaniel. Is the puppy named after Australian tennis star and former World No. 1 Ash Barty?

MORE: 2026 Indian Wells bracket, draw results for BNP Paribas Open

Aryna Sabalenka has hinted in recent months that she is considering life changes so a puppy is a logical first step. After winning Brisbane in January, she joked that she hoped she would be calling her boyfriend a new name shortly, implying that an engagement could be forthcoming. She has also alluded to wanting to start a family.

Sabalenka hopes Ash is a lucky charm at Indian Wells

Aryna Sabalenka is a two-time finalist at Indian Wells in 2023 and 2025. Winning the first leg of the US Sunshine Double is a high priority for the defending Miami Open champion.

<p>Jan 31, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Aryna Sabalenka in action against Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in the final of the womenís singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images</p><br>

Jan 31, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Aryna Sabalenka in action against Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in the final of the womenís singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Tennis fans have not seen Aryna Sabalenka on the court since the Australian Open final at the end of January. She did not play the Middle East swing citing an injury.

MORE: Daniil Medvedev stranded in Dubai, may miss Indian Wells

Will Sabalenka be fresh or rusty after such a long layoff?

Winning the Sunshine Double would add to Sabalenka’s impressive resume

She would like to join the short list of players who won the Sunshine Double, 11 in total, 7 men and 4 women.

Iga Swiatek was the last player to win it with her 2022 victories at Indian Wells and Miami.

MORE: Sloane Stephens reveals Indian Wells kit

Though we have not seen her play yet this year and are unsure of her status, Victoria Azarenka was the last woman to do it before Swiatek in 2016.

Watch Indian Wells, BNP Paribas Open coverage on the Tennis Channel beginning on March 3 with the mixed doubles Eisenhower Cup exhibition through the final day on March 15.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

NFL DRAFT: Iowa football star Gennings Dunker steals show at NFL Combine with viral mullet

MLB: Bob Costas makes clear statement on Shohei Ohtani’s MLB GOAT status

MMA: Jon Jones shares major news about UFC White House fight card

ENTERTAINMENT: 2026 SAG Actor Awards winners list, ‘Sinners’ & Michael B Jordan win big

SPORTS MEDIA: LSU gymnastics star Kailin Chio surpasses Olympic champ Jordan Chiles

VIRAL: Florida Man charged for stealing trading cards with taco seasoning packets

The post Aryna Sabalenka introduces new addition to the team appeared first on The Big Lead.