‘My Mom Didn’t Speak With Me for a Week’- Aryna Sabalenka Reveals Daunting Tale Behind Her First-Ever Tattoo
Aryna Sabalenka’s Tiger Tattoo: A Symbol of Her Fierce Spirit
“I thought a tiger suits me. I’m a fighter. I never give up,” Aryna Sabalenka explained in a 2023 interview with L’Equipe, referring to her iconic tiger tattoo. And she couldn’t have been more right. The Belarusian tennis star has repeatedly embodied that relentless, never-say-die mentality, overcoming personal losses and career struggles. At one point, her form dipped so drastically that she was forced to serve underarm, yet she never backed down from a challenge.
However, when she first got that tiger tattoo on her left forearm, her mother had a very mom-like reaction.
Sabalenka’s Rollercoaster 2025 Season
Sabalenka’s 2025 season has been a whirlwind of highs and lows. She kicked off the year with a title win at the Brisbane International, only to suffer heartbreaking defeats, including:
- A loss in the Australian Open final to Madison Keys
- Early exits in Qatar and Dubai
- A stunning Indian Wells defeat to 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva
Yet, true to her fighting spirit, the World No. 1 is battling through the Miami Open, reaching the Round of 16 after a walkover win against Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
A Lighter Moment: The Story Behind Her Tattoo
Recently, WTA’s Instagram shared a fun video featuring Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Elina Svitolina, where they revealed the personal stories behind their tattoos.
In the clip, Sabalenka recalled getting her tiger tattoo just before turning 18, saying:
“I was, I think, 18 or a month before 18—something like that. But I think 18. My mom didn’t speak with me for a week. And then she was like, ‘This is the first and the last one.’
Yeah, of course, Mom. Okay, you thought I’d have thousands? Boring.”
This wasn’t the first time she shared her mother’s reaction. In a 2019 interview with Tennis Channel, she revealed:
“My parents didn’t know about it. When they first saw it, my dad was laughing—I don’t know why—but my mom didn’t talk to me for a week. Then she told me, ‘I hope this is the first and last one.’ I told her, ‘Yes, Mom, the first and last one,’ but then I turned around and said, ‘Hopefully’—but she didn’t hear that.”
Born to Be a Fighter
Born in 1998—the Year of the Tiger—Sabalenka embraces her inner warrior both on and off the court. She explained in November 2020:
“It’s nothing special. I was born in the Year of the Tiger. Sometimes on court, I need to remind myself to fight like a tiger. So I got this tattoo where I can always see it and stay on fire.”
Sabalenka’s Stand on the PTPA Lawsuit
Beyond her tennis and personal stories, Sabalenka has also been vocal about tennis revenue distribution, supporting the PTPA lawsuit. She recently addressed the issue, saying:
“The only wish I have…”
Her stance has sparked debates about whether her outspokenness could inspire lasting change in tennis revenue equality.
What’s your take? Will Sabalenka’s call for fair revenue distribution shake up the tennis world?
