Aryna Sabalenka's Tiger Tattoo: A Symbol of Aggression

The Belarusian tennis player reveals the story behind her fierce ink

By James Richardson | January 27, 2024

On her inner left forearm, Aryna Sabalenka has a fierce-looking tiger inked. The Belarusian tennis player once revealed the story behind her tattoo in an interview with the Tennis Channel in 2019.

"I got this tattoo when I was 16 years old," Sabalenka said. "I was playing a tournament in Russia, and I was losing badly. I was so frustrated, and I just wanted to smash something. So I went to the tattoo parlor and got this tiger tattooed on my arm."

Sabalenka said that the tiger tattoo is a reflection of her aggressive attitude while playing.

"I'm a very aggressive player," she said. "I like to hit the ball hard and go for winners. The tiger is a symbol of that aggression. It's a reminder to me to always be aggressive on the court."