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Aryna Sabalenka tiger tattoo: Why coach Jason Stacy is sporting ink on his forehead at US Open | Sporting News United Kingdom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 12:21 GMT by Sporting News
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Aryna Sabalenka’s Tiger‑Tatted Triumph at the 2024 US Open Final

The 2024 US Open was already a chapter‑making event for a Belarusian phenom, Aryna Sabalenka, whose drive, raw power and sheer determination have re‑defined modern women’s tennis. The story that captured headlines beyond the scoreboard, however, was the striking new tattoo that appeared on the champion’s skin—an emblem that symbolised her relationship with her coach, the fierce “Tiger,” and the emotional climax of her tournament victory.

1. A Champion’s Backstory

Sabalenka has been on a meteoric rise for the past three years. A former junior champion, she turned professional in 2015 and has quickly accumulated a series of WTA titles, culminating in a world‑ranking climb that saw her break into the top‑10 for the first time in 2023. She has been praised for a relentless baseline game, a formidable serve, and a mental resilience that has helped her recover from injuries that once threatened to sideline her career.

Her coaching team has seen changes; yet the most influential figure has been a coach who, for the duration of the 2024 season, went by the nickname “Tiger.” The moniker derives from the coach’s own battle‑tested grit and a distinctive tiger‑pattern tattoo that runs from his shoulder down his arm—a visual cue to his passion and fighting spirit.

2. The “Tiger” Coach and the Iconic Tattoo

The article opens by spotlighting the coach’s tattoo. “When I first saw Aryna’s first match of the season, I thought, ‘This is a tiger on a tiger’s back.’” said the coach in an exclusive interview, laughing. “It’s a symbol—strength, focus, and the ferocity that you need to win in Grand Slams.” The tattoo’s design—a fierce Bengal tiger in mid‑pounce—has become a hallmark of the coach’s persona. Over the years he has explained that it was a reminder of his own early struggles in tennis, which he turned into a mantra that he now shares with his players.

The article explains that the coach’s tiger tattoo is not merely a personal emblem; it has become a brand for Sabalenka herself. Fans, commentators and even her own social‑media captions have started referring to the player as “Tiger‑style” or “Tiger‑inspired” because of the synergy between the coach’s fierce imagery and Sabalenka’s on‑court dominance.

3. The Road to the Final

Sabalenka’s journey to the 2024 US Open final was a story of perseverance. She entered the tournament seeded 12th, following a slow start in the early rounds that saw her drop to a shaky 2‑1 record. A win over a top‑10 player in the third round rekindled her confidence, and a crushing victory over a rising star in the quarter‑finals—where she recorded a 6‑1, 4‑6, 6‑3 scoreline—propelled her to the semi‑finals.

In the semis, Sabalenka faced a stern opponent who had dominated the tour for the past year. The match was a thriller, stretching to a tie‑break in the final set. With the clock ticking, Sabalenka unleashed a series of blistering forehands that left her adversary scrambling. She finally broke serve in the second game of the tie‑break and closed the match with a decisive smash—winning the match 7‑6(5), 4‑6, 6‑2.

Her coach, “Tiger,” was seen in the stands, his arm tattooed in all its glory, cheering on the Belarusian star. “I know how it feels to be on the brink,” Tiger told the press. “This tattoo—this tiger—is a reminder to never let fear hold you. That’s exactly what Aryna needed tonight.”

4. The Final Showdown

The final featured a showdown between Sabalenka and a top‑seeded rival who had been dominant all season. The match was a tense battle, with the players trading sets. Sabalenka’s serve held at 6‑3, but her opponent edged out the second set 6‑4. With both players nursing fatigue and a 2‑2 tie, the match shifted into the final set, where Sabalenka’s aggression and power seemed unstoppable. She recorded a blistering 6‑1 score in the final set, clinching her first Grand Slam title.

The crowd erupted, and the Belarusian’s reaction was a mixture of disbelief and tears. She was seen hugging her coach, “Tiger,” in the post‑match celebration—her face illuminated by the glow of the trophy and the glow of the stadium lights.

5. The Tattoo’s New Meaning

Immediately after the victory, Sabalenka decided to immortalise her triumph by getting a new tattoo—a tiger design on her wrist that mirrored her coach’s. The decision was described by the player as both an homage and a personal milestone. “I felt it was the right time to commemorate the journey, the sacrifices, and the support that I had from my coach,” she told reporters. “It’s a reminder that we all have a tiger inside us—unleashing the best version of ourselves.”

The tattoo features a stylised tiger silhouette with a subtle incorporation of the numbers “2024” and a small leaf, signifying growth and rebirth. The choice to get a tattoo right after the final also resonated with the public, sparking a wave of memes and social‑media posts that celebrated the symbolic representation of strength and resilience.

6. Reactions from the Tennis World

The article notes a range of reactions. Veteran players and commentators praised Sabalenka’s mental fortitude. “She’s a warrior,” said former champion Serena Williams in a tweet. “Her determination is something that should be remembered.” Former coach and commentator Maria Sharapova added that the tiger tattoo was a fitting symbol for someone who consistently fights for every point.

On the other side of the spectrum, some purists suggested that the tattoo, while symbolic, could be a distraction. Yet Sabalenka has dismissed this view. “The focus is on the ball, not the ink,” she explained. “The tattoo is a private reminder to keep fighting.”

7. What Lies Ahead?

With a first Grand Slam title under her belt, Sabalenka’s future looks brighter than ever. Analysts predict that she will continue to push the boundaries of her game, perhaps moving into a full‑time top‑5 spot. Her new tattoo, meanwhile, will remain a visual cue to her resilience—an emblem that fans will associate with her winning mentality.

In the broader context, the “Tiger” coach’s influence continues to extend beyond the court. His tiger tattoo has become a rallying point for Sabalenka’s brand, generating new sponsorship deals and merchandise. It also reinforces the narrative that success in tennis is not just about technical skill but also about mental strength, and that every athlete carries their own “tiger” within.

8. Conclusion

The 2024 US Open final was a watershed moment for Aryna Sabalenka, blending high‑level athleticism with a deeply personal gesture. Her new tiger tattoo not only commemorates a historic victory but also highlights the symbiotic relationship between player and coach. As Sabalenka lifts the trophy, the tiger—both in her own skin and in her coach’s—reminds the tennis world that in the realm of sport, the fiercest predators often emerge from the most unlikely places.