TENNIS
What is the tattoo on Aryna Sabalenka’s arm and what does it represent?
The Belarusian star has reached a fourth Grand Slam final in two years and must beat Jessica Pegula to win her first US Open.
Former world number one Aryna Sabalenka has continued her superb recent Grand Slam form at the 2024 US Open, where she will take on Jessica Pegula of the United States in the final. The Belorussian is on the hunt for her second Slam of the year after the Australian Open, and her third overall.
Sabalenka also had an excellent 2023, reached the semifinals at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon, and finishing as runner-up in the US after triumphing in Australia. And each time she takes to the court, one question comes to mind.
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.
Sabalenka’s second US Open final against a home favourite
Sabalenka, despite two recent personal tragedies, has fought her way to a fourth Grand Slam final at Flushing Meadows. After losing to Coco Gauff in three sets 12 months ago, can she defeat another home favourite to claim her first US Open?