Aryna Sabalenka Explains The Tiger On Her Coach's Head

Aryna Sabalenka on why her fitness coach had a tiger on his head for the US Open Final.

Sept 7, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA Aryna Sabalenka with the US Open Trophy after beating Jessica Pegula (USA) in the women's singles final on day thirteen of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images / Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

On Saturday night, Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula in straight sets of the women's singles finals at the US Open. It is Sabalenka's third Grand Slam title and proof that she is the best hard-court player in tennis.

While the US Open had proven to be elusive for Sabalenka in the past, everyone knew she had the talent to win the title. Especially her fitness coach, Jason Stacy.

Stacy grabbed the attention from media and fans during Saturday's match by unveiling a temporary tiger tattoo on top of his head. Of course, Sabalenka was asked about this after the match.

Aryna Sabalenka shares how the tiger tattoo came to be 🐯 pic.twitter.com/A1HK5LXWBd

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2024

Sabalenka said, "Jason promised me if I make it to the finals, he's going to make it, he's going to put it on his forehead. I wish it would be a little bit lower, like right here (gesturing towards her forehead) it would be cooler right?"

Anyone who follows Sabalenka knows about her love for tigers. She has the big cat tattooed on her left forearm and carries around a tiger plushie with her to each match.

Before the US Open, Serve On SI asked Sabalenka about her tiger plushie. She said, "Of course! The tiger is always with me. On my arm, it's in my soul; it's in my blood. It's always there!"

The women's tournament at the US Open, but the men still have their finals later today. Tennis fans can say locked into Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

More Tennis News

• Jannik Sinner explained his biggest weakness at the US Open.

• Coco Gauff reflects on her summer after losing in the US Open.

• Jack Draper paid homage to Andre Agassi after his match at the US Open.