Aryna Sabalenka, known for her close connection with her support team, took their bond to the next level during her match against Jessica Pegula. While Sabalenka has previously used her team as a source of good luck during Grand Slam tournaments, her fitness coach, Jason Stacy, stepped up with a bold new gesture on Saturday.
As Sabalenka played her match, fans noticed something unusual: Stacy was sitting in the stands sporting a large temporary tattoo on his head. This tattoo, resembling a tiger, was a nod to Sabalenka’s own tiger-themed nickname and a show of support. After Sabalenka secured her victory over Pegula, claiming her third Grand Slam title, she playfully addressed the tattoo.
“It’s permanent,” she joked before clarifying that it was a temporary design. Sabalenka then explained the story behind the tattoos, recalling a fan who often comes up with creative ideas related to her name. “In Washington, one of my fans brought these temporary tattoos. Jason promised that if I made it to the finals, he would wear one on his forehead.”
Sabalenka, laughing, admitted that she would have preferred the tattoo to be placed slightly lower on his face, suggesting it would have looked “cooler.” She went on to reveal that most of her team, led by coach Anton Dubrov, had also embraced the idea, wearing matching tiger tattoos in various locations on their bodies, including their faces and arms.
This tattoo display was a departure from Sabalenka’s earlier ritual during the 2024 Australian Open, where she would sign Jason Stacy’s bald head as a good luck charm. Now, the team seems to be embracing new, creative ways to support their player. Sabalenka jokingly brainstormed what might come next, suggesting that Stacy might dye his hair in the future.
“Just always come up with something new,” she laughed, addressing Stacy and Dubrov during the post-match press conference. “It was a signature before, and now it’s a tiger tattoo. I’m really curious about what’s next, Jason. Maybe you’ll color your hair next!”
Sabalenka’s team has been a significant part of her journey to the top of women’s tennis. She has maintained the same core group since 2020, and their bond has grown strong over the past four years. Sabalenka has often highlighted the importance of surrounding herself with the right people.
Speaking before the Cincinnati Open, she offered advice to fellow athletes: “The best advice I would give is to surround yourself with the right people—people you can trust, people you can talk to about anything. It’s so important to have someone you can talk through whatever’s going on.”
Her team, affectionately known as “Team Tiger,” has not only supported her emotionally and strategically but has also become part of her rising social media presence, making appearances on her TikTok account. Their unity has played a pivotal role in her rise up the tennis rankings, helping her develop both on and off the court.
As Sabalenka and her team prepare for the final stretch of the 2024 tennis season, which includes the Asian Swing and the WTA Finals, they hope to maintain the momentum from their successful summer. Sabalenka’s 12-match winning streak, which included title victories in both Cincinnati and Flushing Meadows, has given them a strong platform to end the year on a high note.
With their unique bond, unwavering support, and playful spirit, Team Tiger is poised to continue their impressive run and perhaps even come up with a few more creative ways to celebrate their success along the way.
