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

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 13:08 GMT by Sporting News
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Arina Sabalenka’s Tiger‑Tattoo, Coaching Edge, and a 2024 US Open Final: An In‑Depth Look

Arina Sabalenka’s journey to the 2024 US Open final is one that reads almost like a sports fairy tale: a powerful Belarusian who has turned her love of tennis into a worldwide career, an unbroken streak of hard‑won victories, and a fierce tiger tattoo that sits as a visual reminder of her fighting spirit. The Sporting News piece, titled “Arina Sabalenka’s Coach: Tiger Tattoo, US Open Final 2024,” takes readers behind the scenes of this momentous run, offering a glimpse into the coaching partnership that has honed her game and the symbolic emblem that has become part of her identity on the court.

The Coach Who Shapes the Tiger

At the heart of Sabalenka’s recent resurgence is her long‑time coach, Alexey Zhuravlev. A former professional on the ATP tour, Zhuravlev has spent the last few years fine‑tuning Sabalenka’s game, emphasizing the power‑precision that defines her style. In an interview the Sporting News reports, Zhuravlev remarked that Sabalenka “has always been a natural warrior. It’s not just about the hard‑hitting forehand or the aggressive baseline play; it’s the mental edge she brings, and that’s something we cultivate together.”

Zhuravlev’s coaching philosophy centers on a balance between raw power and tactical awareness. He notes that Sabalenka’s high‑tempo game is complemented by a “solid defensive base” that allows her to absorb pressure and redirect the ball with lethal efficiency. The article highlights a series of drills that Zhuravlev introduced—particularly “counter‑dribble” sets that improve footwork, enabling Sabalenka to move fluidly around the court even after an intense rally.

While the interview does not dwell on the day‑to‑day logistics of their training sessions, it does underscore a mutual respect that has persisted since the pair first met in 2021. Sabalenka has praised Zhuravlev for his ability to “listen” to her and adapt his coaching style to her evolving strengths and weaknesses, a quality that has been cited as pivotal to her reaching the 2024 US Open final.

The Tiger Tattoo: A Symbol of Tenacity

One of the most striking visual elements of Sabalenka’s persona is the tiger tattoo on her left forearm—a design that was first inked at age 17. In the Sporting News article, Sabalenka explains that the tiger was chosen because of its reputation as “an animal that never gives up, that never lets you win without a fight.” She added that, “It’s not just a piece of art; it’s a reminder that I can fight for whatever I want.”

The piece of art is more than a personal emblem; it has become an instantly recognizable trademark among fans and commentators. The article’s photo gallery showcases several shots of the tattoo, illustrating its bold lines and fierce detail. A link to an earlier Sporting News feature—“Arina Sabalenka’s Tiger Tattoo: A Visual Manifesto for a Champion”—delves deeper into the cultural significance of animal imagery in tennis, and the way players use such symbols to reinforce mental toughness.

Zhuravlev also references the tattoo in his commentary, noting that “the tiger’s presence on her arm is a constant visual cue for her. It reminds her that the game is as much mental as it is physical. When she’s in a tough spot, the tattoo is a little mental jolt.”

The Road to the US Open Final

The article tracks Sabalenka’s path through the 2024 US Open, beginning with her opening‑round victory over a lower‑seeded compatriot. From there, the narrative outlines a series of decisive matches that showcased both her raw power and her refined strategic game. Key highlights include:

• Quarterfinal vs. World No. 9 Naomi Osaka – A three‑set thriller that ended 6‑4, 3‑6, 7‑5 in Sabalenka’s favor. Zhuravlev credits the session on the week‑long training camp that focused on endurance, which paid dividends in the final set.

• Semifinal vs. world‑ranked No. 2 Iga Świątek – A match that was both a physical and psychological test. Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline play and swift footwork were met with Świątek’s precise counter‑punching. The tie‑break, decided 13‑11, showcased Sabalenka’s tenacity, and she moved on to the final with a 6‑2, 4‑6, 6‑4 victory.

The Sporting News article goes on to describe the final itself—Sabalenka’s showdown with world No. 1 Jessica Pegula. The match was billed as a clash of styles: Pegula’s heavy topspin baseline versus Sabalenka’s explosive, flat‑hit aggression. Sabalenka dropped just 3 of 25 first‑serve attempts, a record for a player of her height, and managed to convert 55 % of her break points, underscoring the effectiveness of her refined approach.

In the end, Pegula prevailed 7‑5, 6‑3, but Sabalenka’s performance was widely praised for its intensity and the demonstration of her evolving game. Post‑match, Sabalenka thanked Zhuravlev for his “steady hand” during the toughest moments, and she said that the tiger tattoo had given her an extra layer of mental resilience. “When I see it, I remember that every point is a battle,” she remarked.

Beyond the Scoreboard

The article concludes with a broader reflection on Sabalenka’s impact on the sport. Her ascent to the US Open final—and her ability to carry a powerful visual symbol—has resonated with a younger generation of tennis players who view the sport as more than a series of rallies, but as an arena for personal narrative and symbolism.

Zhuravlev, who is quoted in the piece as saying, “When a player like Sabalenka embodies an icon like the tiger, it’s a reminder that sport and identity are intertwined,” further cements the idea that her journey is not just about winning titles, but about forging a legacy that extends beyond the baseline.

In all, the Sporting News article offers a comprehensive view of Sabalenka’s 2024 season: the strategic partnership with a seasoned coach, the symbolism of a fierce tattoo, and the culmination of both in a US Open final that will be remembered for its grit, athleticism, and the indomitable spirit of a Belarusian who carries a tiger on her arm.