Daily Dose of Social Media: Aryna Sabalenka’s coach rocks tiger tattoo, celebrities at Men’s Final including Taylor Swift and Matthew McConaughey

Tennis News
Sunday, 08 September 2024 at 21:30
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Amidst the US Open finals, our Daily Dose of Social Media recaps the latest activities of ATP and WTA stars and entertainment, highlighting Aryna Sabalenka’s title and the final between Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz this Sunday. Iga Swiatek, Paula Badosa, and Carlos Alcaraz were among those who congratulated the Belarusian.
Sabalenka’s coach sported a tiger tattoo on his head, mirroring the one that Belarusian player has on her forearm. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift and Matthew McConaughey were among the stars attending the men’s final this Sunday, while a WTA star returns to training after her pregnancy and aims for a comeback to the Tour.

Sabalenka’s coach keeps promise, unveils tiger tattoo during US Open final

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula on Saturday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium to claim her third Grand Slam title. The Belarusian took revenge for last year's final, where she lost to Coco Gauff, securing the US Open victory in straight sets.
Her fitness coach, Jason Stacy, caught the attention of fans and media during Saturday's match by sporting a temporary tiger tattoo on the top of his head, mimicking the tiger Sabalenka has had on her forearm for several years.
"Jason promised me if I made it to the finals, he’s going to put it on his forehead. I wish it would be a little bit lower, like right here (gesturing towards her forehead), it would be cooler right?" Sabalenka commented after the match. You can check out photos of the coach here.

Belinda Bencic makes her comeback preparations, training with Olympic medalist.

Former gold medalist Belinda Bencic reappeared on the court, training with a WTA star. The former World No. 4 took a break over the past year after announcing she would become a mother for the first time. Back in April this year, the Swiss player gave birth to her baby.
At 27 years old, Bencic knew this would only be a pause in her career, and she will join other mothers competing on the Tour, such as Victoria Azarenka, Naomi Osaka, Tatjana Maria, and Elina Svitolina.
Although she has been away from the spotlight for a while, Belinda Bencic recently reappeared in a post from one of her colleagues: none other than Donna Vekic, recent silver medalist at Paris 2024 and Wimbledon semifinalist, currently ranked World No. 24. Bencic is training with the Croatian player as she prepares for her comeback, although she has yet to announce whether she will return this year or aim for the 2025 season.

Pegula signs autograph for NBA legend Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry was one of the big stars who attended Flushing Meadows to support local favorite Jessica Pegula in her match against Aryna Sabalenka. Even though he couldn’t be a lucky charm, the basketball player shared some moments with her.
Before the US Open women’s final, Jessica Pegula had the chance to meet a sports legend, Stephen Curry. The famous basketball player attended the final between Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka, and before the match, he spent time with the World No. 6.
Photos of Pegula and Curry on the court before the final circulated on social media, where the basketball star showed his admiration for the tennis player and even asked her for an autograph. "Being able to talk to Steph, that was really cool," she said. "I met him briefly at the Olympics, during the opening ceremony, and we traded pins. It was cool for him to come out. I guess he really wants to keep supporting women’s sports."

Surprise appearance: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce attend US Open final

As every year, major stars from the music, sports, and film industries attended the US Open men’s final, this time to support local favorite Taylor Fritz against Jannik Sinner. Taylor Swift's appearance was one of the big surprises among the crowd, accompanied by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce.
Both were escorted by security to their box at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Although there were NFL games this Sunday, Travis Kelce had already played his Week 1 match last Thursday, so he took the opportunity to attend one of the year’s biggest sporting events in the United States.

Kyrgios shares court session with Matthew McConaughey before US Open final

Nick Kyrgios shares photos with Matthew McConaughey. The Australian is part of ESPN’s television broadcasts during the tournament and spent time with the Academy Award winner in the hours leading up to the final between Fritz and Sinner.
McConaughey frequently attends major events on the Tour and has been seen at several Grand Slam tournaments, supporting both the WTA and ATP. Additionally, the actor spent some time on the court with Kyrgios, showing off impressive skills as they hit together with the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up. “McConaughey was a legend & also a pretty damn good tennis player. An amazing storyteller... fair to say we have some similarities 🤷🏽‍♂️🤣,” Kyrgios commented.

Billie Jean King and Andre Agassi share iconic moment at US Open final

Billie Jean King congratulated the female finalists Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka. The legendary American tennis player was part of the tournament’s award ceremony and shared a message for both athletes: “Cheers to both @arynasabalenka and @jpegula on an incredible @usopen women's singles final. The future of women's tennis continues to shine brightly!”
This Sunday, King also attended the men’s final to watch the Sinner vs. Fritz match. Before the final, the American legend was seen at Arthur Ashe Stadium alongside Andre Agassi, and they took photos next to the iconic “Pressure is a Privilege” sign, a phrase attributed to Billie Jean King herself, displayed on the main court.
Swiatek, Azarenka, and Badosa congratulates Sabalenka on first US Open title
The world No. 2 secured her third Grand Slam title on Saturday in the final against Pegula. Sabalenka claimed the US Open for the first time, having previously fallen in the finals in 2023 and in the semifinals in 2021 and 2022. Despite coming close several times, the Belarusian finally capitalized on her strong form to win her second major title of the season.
Several WTA stars congratulated Sabalenka on her new achievement, including world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka, and her close friend Paula Badosa: “Believe it. Crazy achievement! You are such a strong woman! I’m really happy for you! You inspire so many people (also me🥹) ps: please leave a bit for the rest… (especially me😂),” posted the Spaniard. You can check out some of the congratulations received by the Belarusian here.

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