New Delhi, March 11 -- Aryna Sabalenka credits her new puppy, Ash, with providing "mental health support" as she continues to rack up victories and maintain her standing as the top-ranked player in women's tennis.

Sabalenka brought her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to a post-match interview on the Tennis Channel following her round-of-16 victory over Naomi Osaka on Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open.

"I feel like I'm much more settled, calm, more in control," Sabalenka, who has a history of emotional, on-court outbursts, said while Tennis Channel commentators held and petted her dog. "Whenever I feel like going crazy on my team, I just pet Ash and I feel better."

Sabalenka, who also recently announced her engagement to Brazilian busines...