Belarussian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has been in stunning form this year. Sabalenka has performed well consistently, reaching the semifinals of all four Grand Slams she has played. Now she has a chance to win her second Grand Slam at the US Open. Nothing is impossible for this Belarussian tigress.
Sabalenka staged a remarkable return to win the semifinal clash against Madison Keys. She was staring defeat in the face but did not give up, and thus scripted history at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
As well-known as Sabalenka is for her aggression on the court, she also has a passion for tattoos. In fact, she has two of them on her body. Both of Aryna’s tattoos are that of a tiger, which is where she gets the nickname of ‘Tigress’ from. Today, we take a closer look at her tattoos and the meaning behind them.
Aryna Sabalenka has a well-defined tiger tattoo on her left forearm. Sabalenka disclosed that the tiger reflects her attitude and her fighting spirit. It was the first tattoo she ever got, and it motivates her whenever she is down. “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,” said Sabalenka (via Daily Mail).
The second tattoo is on her upper left thigh. This tiger tattoo is much more geometrical than the one on her arm. Sabalenka says that this one symbolizes her strength and self-confidence, and she has both in spades.
Aryna’s tattoos are deeply personal to her. She has traits that are associated with a tiger, and they were on display against Madison Keys. She fought back after losing the first set spectacularly and ended up booking a spot in the finals.
How did the mother of Aryna Sabalenka react to her tattoos?
Sabalenka was born in 1998, the year of the Tiger, according to Chinese horoscope. She was only 18 when she got her first tattoo.
Aryna opened up about how she felt when she got inked, and the reactions of her parents, particularly her mother. She revealed that she hated it initially, as did her parents. Her mother did not speak to her at all for a week!
Aryna Sabalenka on Tiger Tattoo:
“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
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 25, 2023
Aryna Sabalenka truly embodies the fighting spirit of a tiger. Irrespective of the results of the final, she will become the new world number one on Monday. Sabalenka will lock horns with Coco Gauff in a high-octane final on Saturday.