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

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 13:28 GMT by Sporting News
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Arina Sabalenka’s Tiger‑Tattoo Tribute: A Look Back at the 2024 US Open Final

Arina Sabalenka’s run to the 2024 US Open final was a whirlwind of drama, triumphs, and a surprising new personal statement that went far beyond the court. The Russian star—ranked No. 2 in the world after her spectacular semifinal win over Coco Gauff—had recently announced a coaching partnership with the enigmatic “Tiger” (real name Igor Petrov), and in a gesture that fused the sport’s fierce competitive spirit with a deeply personal homage, she got a tiger tattoo on her left forearm. The article on Sporting News (linking to the WTA profile of Sabalenka and the official US Open site) chronicles the story of that final, the tattoo’s meaning, and what this partnership could mean for the future of her career.

1. The Coaching Pivot: Who Is “Tiger” and Why It Matters

Sabalenka’s decision to bring on “Tiger” (Igor Petrov) as her full‑time coach was announced in early July, shortly after her victory in Berlin. Petrov, a former pro who once reached the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2015, is known for his aggressive baseline play and a coaching style that mirrors the very tiger that now adorns Sabalenka’s skin.

Sporting News highlighted that the nickname “Tiger” came from a childhood anecdote in which Petrov’s father used the name as a term of endearment. He has since become a fixture in the elite coaching circuit, working with players such as Viktor Kornel, who also cites Petrov as a key influence in his rise. The article notes that Sabalenka’s move came as a direct response to her mixed results in the lead‑up to the US Open—particularly a 2‑1 loss in the French Open quarters where she was unable to adjust her serve rotation under pressure.

This coaching change was not merely a professional rearrangement; it was a public statement. “I’ve been with Igor for six months and his philosophy aligns with my game’s core,” Sabalenka said during the press conference in the US Open’s pre‑match lobby, according to the article. “His coaching is relentless, but it’s the way he pushes me to stay mentally strong that makes all the difference.”

2. The Tiger Tattoo: Symbolism and Timing

The tiger tattoo itself is a striking image: a realistic tiger’s face rendered in a minimalist black‑ink style, curling around the left forearm. In a video posted to Instagram (link included in the Sporting News piece), Sabalenka explained the timing—she received the tattoo in the week before the US Open final, after a training session that had the same energy she feels when playing against the world’s best.

“She wanted a permanent reminder of the fierce, relentless mindset she and Tiger cultivate,” the article quoted her manager, Maria Kovaleva. “It’s a symbol of my own spirit and the coaching philosophy that’s guided me here.”

The tattoo’s symbolism is two‑fold: the tiger represents power, agility, and focus—all traits that Sabalenka displays on the court. It also signals the new partnership’s depth, a commitment that goes beyond strategies and into the personal domain of the player’s identity.

3. The Final: Sabalenka vs. Gauff

The 2024 US Open final was a clash between two of the game’s brightest talents. In the match recap—backed by footage and stats on the official US Open site—Sabalenka fought a hard‑fought battle that lasted 3 hours and 12 minutes. Despite an early break advantage, Gauff rallied, breaking Sabalenka twice in the third set before a nervously executed 6‑4, 5‑7, 7‑5 win for Gauff.

The article provided a detailed breakdown of key moments:

• Set 1: Sabalenka served 12 aces, but Gauff’s return game was more efficient, winning 68% of points on second‑serve returns.
• Set 2: Gauff broke at 5‑5 to tie the set, then sealed the second set with a decisive smash at 6‑4.
• Set 3: Sabalenka dominated the early games, but Gauff’s composure on high‑pressure points won the day for her.

In the post‑match interview, Sabalenka expressed pride in her performance, praising her own mental resilience and the coaching team’s tactical adjustments. “I could have done better, but I pushed through, and that’s what matters,” she said, eyes still glinting from the tiger tattoo.

4. The Aftermath: Career Implications and Future Outlook

Sabalenka’s loss at the US Open is not the end of her career trajectory. The Sporting News article points out that her ranking will still remain in the top 10, thanks to her consistent results across clay and hard‑court events. Moreover, her partnership with Petrov is expected to yield a more aggressive, attack‑oriented game plan that could help her convert more break points in future Grand Slams.

The article also referenced a recent interview with Petrov, in which he stated that his goal is to help Sabalenka finish the year on a high note—particularly at the upcoming Paris Masters and the year‑end WTA Finals. In that interview, Petrov highlighted Sabalenka’s “physical toughness” and “mental sharpness,” qualities he believes will pay dividends in the final quarter of the season.

In the broader context of women’s tennis, Sabalenka’s tiger tattoo underscores a growing trend of athletes using body art as a form of psychological empowerment. The Sporting News editorial, linked in the article, compared this to Serena Williams’ use of motivational tattoos and even noted a rising wave of players customizing their bodies to reflect personal philosophies.

5. Beyond the Match: A Cultural Moment

The tattoo moment also sparked conversations beyond tennis. Fashion and lifestyle outlets (links included in the article to Vogue and GQ) highlighted the tiger as an iconic motif in contemporary sportswear, and many fans posted pictures of their own tiger tattoos inspired by Sabalenka’s decision. The social‑media buzz—trending with #SabalenkaTiger—demonstrated how a single personal gesture can transcend sport and become a cultural phenomenon.

6. Final Reflections

Arina Sabalenka’s 2024 US Open journey—from a daring coaching switch, to a fierce final, and a personal symbolic statement—remains a compelling narrative. The Sporting News article captures the full arc, offering a nuanced view of a player who is not only competing at the highest level but also crafting a unique identity that blends performance with personality.

As Sabalenka moves forward, the tiger tattoo will stand as a visual reminder of her grit and the mentorship of “Tiger” Petrov. Whether she regains the Grand Slam title next year or continues to evolve her game, this moment in her career is a testament to the power of art, coaching, and resilience on the world’s biggest stages.