(VIDEO) Aryna Sabalenka's new bizarre pre-match ritual confirmed after fitness coach spotted with signed head: "He’s not happy with that"
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka is through to the Quarter-Finals during her title defence at the 2024 Australian Open, but while her performance against Amanda Anisimova whom she defeated 6-3, 6-2 after a previous barren 4-1 Head to Head deficit was eye catching so was her fitness coach, Jason Stacy having his head initially mooted as a tattoo but now confirmed as signed by the former World No.1.
Sabalenka revealed in her post match interview when quizzed that she was signing Jason Stacy's head before each match of her title defence which he wasn't too pleased about apart from it getting results as she has thrashed Ella Seidel, Brenda Fruhvirtova and Lesia Tsurenko and then took down Anisimova. So it seems this tradition will roll on for some time yet.
“We just like to do weird s***, guys!," she said post match. “We just started this. I did it before the first match, and after I won, I told Jason, ‘Well, I guess it’s a routine right now.’ He’s not happy with that but he understands everything.”
But it is a team that has kept Sabalenka in check and Stacy himself appeared on Break Point earlier this month discussing how he likes to keep her calm amid everything going on at a Grand Slam. “At a Slam, there’s a lot of background noise,” Stacy said. “You have to find a way to turn the volume down a little bit…She’s an emotional person, [and] my job is to manage it.” He will have his head signed again though as Barbora Krejcikova awaits in the next round.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.
mandoist31-10-2026 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
- Lena... Takin' care of businessmandoist25-10-2026
- Can you please stop publishing this nonsense? Stick to Tennis.mandoist25-10-2026
- Does Sinner need that 4.5 mil? I doubt it. He can make that with three modelling gigs!😅🤣Rapunzel21-10-2026
- Did "People Magazine" purchase this website? This nonstop storyline is bullshit.mandoist21-10-2026
- Listen... this is of no concern to anyone but these two. Deal with your own issues -- most of us have our own. Thanks, media, for these insignificant follow-ups which are meaningless.mandoist21-10-2026
