Sabalenka’s tattoo: everything you need to know about the tennis star’s arm ink
The Belarusian star is playing at her top level again and looking for Wimbledon glory.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka picked up in 2025 where she left off last year and won in Miami and Madrid so far in 2025 with runner-up finishes at the Australian Open and Indian Wells.
Each time Sabalenka takes to the court, one question comes to mind.
Aryna Sabalenka on Tiger Tattoo:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 25, 2023
“I was born the year of the tiger. I was dating a guy covered in tattoos..I thought a tiger suits me. I’m a fighter. I never give up. I hated it at 1st, so did my parents. My mom didn't speak to me for a week. She said, 'What the f*** is this?”😂 pic.twitter.com/tZo316NmHz
What does the tattoo on Sabalenka’s arm mean?
The tattoo on Sabalenka’s left forearm is of a tiger. She got the tattoo as a teenager without telling her parents. “I think I was 18 years old and my parents didn’t know, and when they saw it the first time my dad was laughing. I don’t know why but my mom didn’t talk to me for one week,” she has previously said.
“It’s special as sometimes I need to remind myself that I am the tigress and I need to fight till the end. I just put it on my arm to make sure I can see it every time and be on fire.”
The tattoo represents the year she was born, which was 1998, the Chinese year of the Tiger. As she has stated, she got the tattoo to give her inspiration, and the tiger is considered to represent individuals who are authoritative, brave and self assured, with a strong moral compass and belief system.
Watching Sabalenka on the court, she certainly appears to share some of the qualities of people born in the year of the tiger: she enjoys competition, but can sometimes struggle with emotions, occasionally becoming moody or intense.
Which member of Sabalenka’s team had a tiger tattoo on his head?
During the 2024 US Open final, Sabalenka’s fitness coach Jason Stacy showed his support for the Belarusian - caught the eye - by sporting a similar tiger ‘tattoo’ on the top of his bald head. We can only assume it’s not a real one.
Sabalenko is looking for more major glory at Wimbledon in London.
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