She’s the hard-hitting Belarusian tennis star who adds fierce style to the court with her edgy outfits and unique tattoos. But Aryna Sabalenka’s tiger tattoo remains her most mysterious and conversation-starting body art.
The intricate tiger design spans the length of her left arm, a nod to her bold and ferocious playing style. But the ink holds a deeper meaning for Sabalenka.
“The tiger represents my power and bravery,” she shares. Known for her aggressive groundstrokes, intimidating roar after big points, and predatory intensity, Sabalenka identifies with the tiger’s dominant spirit.
Interestingly, she got the first outlines of the tattoo at age 18 after a disappointing loss. The experience taught Sabalenka to embrace her inner warrior.
“It was a reminder to keep fighting and have courage,” she explains. Ever since, Sabalenka has added to the tiger before big tournaments, using its symbolic power to sharpen her mindset.
Now permanently etched on her skin, the tiger is part of Sabalenka’s identity as a force to be reckoned with on court. “It gives me confidence when I see it,” she says.
While the intricacy of the design draws attention, the meaning behind it drives Sabalenka to success. She may build her game around brute power, but the tiger represents the clever, calculated fighter within.
