Aryna Sabalenka's fitness coach, Jason Stacy, made good on a humorous bet by getting a tiger tattoo on his head just before Sabalenka secured her first US Open title with a thrilling victory over Jessica Pegula in the final.
Sabalenka went on to claim the 2024 US Open women’s singles title by defeating Jessica Pegula in straight sets. She secured the win in just an hour and 53 minutes on Saturday, September 7, at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium with scores of 7-5, 7-5. Despite a strong effort from Pegula in her first Grand Slam final, Sabalenka's unwavering power and precision ultimately led her to the coveted US Open crown.
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The Story behind the inked 'Tiger' on Jason Stacy's head
Sabalenka disclosed the amusing backstory of the tiger tattoo, explaining that it was the result of a bet between her and her fitness coach. Ahead of Sabalenka's high-stakes US Open final against Jessica Pegula on September 8, fans were delighted to see Stacy proudly displaying the large head tattoo in honour of Sabalenka’s nickname: Tiger.
Stacy had pledged to get a tattoo if Sabalenka made it to the final, and true to his word, he showed up at Arthur Ashe Stadium with a freshly inked tiger design on his head after Sabalenka defeated Emma Navarro in the semi-final.
"Jason promised me if I make it to the finals, he’s gonna put it on his forehead. I wish it was a little bit lowerâ€æ it would be cooler right?” :- Sabalenka revealed
The US Open crown adds a third title to Sabalenka's trophy cabinet. Earlier, she emerged victorious in the Australian Open on two consecutive occasions. The bet only added a cherry to a memorable US Open campaign for Sabalenka.
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