Aryna Sabalenka Pumps Coach With a Beautiful Message as She Makes His Special Day Even More Happening
After a heartbreaking loss in the finals in Melbourne, followed by a few unexpected upsets throughout the year, any player would understandably be shaken. However, that’s not the case for the ever-smiling Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian star has managed to shake off these losses and embrace life as it comes, thanks in no small part to her coach, Jason Stacy. So, when the “beautiful man” who plays a pivotal role in her success celebrates his special day, Sabalenka goes all out to honor him.
Sabalenka is not one for secrets—she wears her heart on her sleeve (along with that incredibly cool tiger tattoo, of course). So, it was no surprise that when her performance coach and mentor, Jason Stacy, turned 56, she made sure the world knew. The man who has guided her through three Grand Slam victories and some of the most challenging moments in her career deserved nothing less than a heartfelt celebration.
Taking to her Instagram stories, Sabalenka posted a hilarious picture of Stacy donning a foam net on his head while striking a sassy pose with finger guns. “Happy Birthday to this beautiful man,” she captioned the photo, adding her signature touch of humor and affection.
Jason Stacy boasts an incredibly diverse career, blending martial arts expertise with 25 years of experience in massage therapy, sports therapy, and strength and conditioning. He has worked with a wide range of elite athletes, including soccer players, Olympic hopefuls, swimmers, and even ballroom dancers. As he once proudly stated, “I’ve helped athletes get to world No.1 or become world champion in four sports now—two different martial arts (jiu-jitsu, judo), swimming, and tennis.”
A Dream Partnership Since 2018
Stacy joined Sabalenka’s team in 2018, and the duo has experienced a dream run ever since. With his guidance, Sabalenka rose to the world No. 1 ranking and solidified her status as one of the most dominant forces on the WTA tour. However, their partnership is not just about hard work and strategy—it’s also built on a unique bond filled with humor, trust, and one very special tradition.
Sabalenka and Stacy’s Quirky Pre-Match Tradition
Dubbed “the man behind Team Sabalenka,” Stacy has a fun, upbeat, and playful personality, especially when it comes to his off-court antics with Sabalenka. One of their most cherished traditions is Sabalenka signing on Stacy’s head before each match—a ritual that has become somewhat of a lucky charm for her. This quirky routine began at the 2024 Australian Open, where Sabalenka enjoyed a phenomenal run that culminated in her first Grand Slam title.
When asked about the tradition, Sabalenka simply laughed and said, “We just like to do weird sh*t, guys!” And the fun didn’t stop there. At the 2025 Australian Open, Stacy took it a step further, showing up in Sabalenka’s box with a temporary tiger tattoo on his head—matching the one inked on her arm. It was a sweet yet edgy gesture of support, proving just how strong their bond is.
With a coach like Jason Stacy by her side, Aryna Sabalenka continues to thrive, both on and off the court. His unwavering support, expertise, and infectious humor make him an integral part of her journey. So, how would you wish Stacy on his birthday?
