Aryna Sabalenka’s unique pre-match ritual at the 2024 Australian Open involved signing her fitness coach, Jason Stacy’s head. This quirky superstition seemed to be bringing her good luck as she advanced to her second consecutive quarterfinal in Melbourne last year. She eventually won the title(her second consecutive title). But, wait, John Stacy’s Tiger tattoo is again in the spotlight. It now seems like the Tiger tattoo has become a part of a tradition born out of a hilarious bet between Stacy and Sabalenka. Remember 2024 US Open?

The tradition began during the 2024 US Open when Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula in a thrilling final. In that post-match press conference, the Belarusian revealed, “I think in Washington there is one girl, she’s my fan, she’s supporting me and she always comes up with some cool stuff related to my name. She brought these temporary tattoos, and Jason promised me that if I make it to the finals he’s gonna make it, he’s gonna put it on his forehead. I wish it would be a little bit lower, like right here would be cooler, right?” She did wish that Stacy had the tattoo placed on his forehead instead, jokingly.

Aryna Sabalenka is facing Madison Keys in the Australian Open women’s singles finals. The match is being played at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. The American has wrapped the first set 6-3 and is showing nerves of steel. Yet again in AO this year, Sabalenka’s fitness coach, John Stacy, in the crowd, donned the temporary tiger tattoo on his head. It’s the same tattoo he made last time when Sabalenka won the US Open. Seems like he is trying to keep the tradition alive this time as well, to support Sabalenka in the finals. Guess we will have to see if it works this time.

The tattoo seen on John Stacy’s head is a symbol of a light-hearted dynamic between him and Sabalenka. It is an homage to Aryna Sabalenka’s own tattoo and nickname, “Tiger.” For Stacy, the gesture represents the team’s philosophy of blending lightheartedness with a high-pressure environment. “I think it’s crucial,” Stacy said about the team’s atmosphere.

“It’s an important key element to any performance, to development. As you guys know, it’s all year nonstop, just pressure, pressure, pressure, attention, attention, trying to get better, trying to get better,” Stacy emphasized how a mix of emotional control and humor helps Sabalenka handle the relentless pressure of finals in tennis.

By continuing this tradition, Stacy highlights the deep connection he has with the team and Sabalenka. As Sabalenka battles Madison Keys, the tattoo is there as a symbol of support, sentiment, and an unshakable bond between Sabalenka and her coaching staff.

Who is in Aryna Sabalenka’s coaching staff?

Aryna Sabalenka has solidified her position as the most consistent player in women’s tennis. The Belarusian is a three-time Grand Slam winner, and currently defending her Australian Open crown against Madison Keys. She capped off an incredible 2024 season by clinching the US Open and beating Jessica Pegula in the finals. Her biggest achievement is finishing the 2024 season as WTA’s world No. 1.

Sabalenka is known to dominate with her groundstrokes and aggressive style of play in order to take control of the points. Another reason for her abrupt rise is her coaching staff, which has been an integral part of her success. Anton Dubrov has been her head coach since 2020, providing her with the technical guidance to refine the game. “He knows me quite well, he knows what I need, what we have to work on,” Sabalenka remarked in an interview.

Another person who has played a vital role in Sabalenka’s growth is her fitness coach and physiotherapist John Stacy. While details about when he joined the staff remain unclear, he has been instrumental in managing Sabalenka’s emotional as well as physical well-being. “She’s an emotional person, and my job is to manage it,” Stacy has said about the world No. 1 on Netflix’s ‘Break Point’.

From playful traditions like the tiger tattoo to rigorous preparation, Team Sabalenka embodies a perfect blend of professionalism and camaraderie, making them one formidable unit on the WTA tour.