The Belarusian star is playing at her top level again and looking for US Open glory in NYC.
Sabalenka’s tattoo: The tennis star’s arm ink and what it represents
World number one Aryna Sabalenka is back in the final in New York and will face Amanda Anismova.
The 27-year-old from Belarus has had an impressive 2025 season reaching the finals at the Australian Open, French Open and semi finals at Wimbledon. Now, she is hoping to win her first major of the year at the U.S. Open in NYC.
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 in New York City to win her third grand slam title of the year.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment