WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka introduces new dog Ash to Tennis Channel after Indian Wells win

There’s a new superstar in the Sabalenka family, as world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka gave new dog Ash a primetime debut in her Tennis Channel interview at the BNP Paribas Open.

“He’s the most friendly dog,” Sabalenka assured co-hosts Steve Weissman and Chris Eubanks. “We can just talk while he’s playing.”

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Sabalenka was fresh off a 6-2, 6-4 win over 2018 champion Naomi Osaka, but all anyone wanted to talk about was Ash, who the top seed adopted ahead of her return to the California Desert.

“He’s a mental health support, you know?” Sabalenka said, who praised his ability to sleep through her matches. “I feel like I’m much more settled, more calm, more in control. Whenever I feel like going crazy on my team, I just pet Ash and I feel better.

“I always wanted to have this dog. When I was a kid, I think my mom had a spaniel and I loved that dog. They’re family dogs. They’re super attached to their owners, super chill, super cute, super cuddly. Look at him!”

(All photos Fred Mullane/Camerawork USA for Tennis Channel)

“We felt like it has to be related to New York,” she said of the King Charles Spaniel’s name. “’Apple’ doesn’t sound right, so we figured Arthur Ashe, so Ash it is.

“But there’s no ‘e,’ just Ash,” she added with a laugh.

Sabalenka promised Ash will play a starring role in her upcoming nuptials with Frangulis, but in the meantime, he’ll continue to cameo in her prolific TikTok account.

“He’s a superstar,” Sabalenka exclaimed. “He doesn’t know how terrible his mom is! I’ll put him in so much trouble.”