World No.1 partners with airline as Emirates reinforces Grand Slam footprint
Emirates has announced a landmark partnership with world No.1 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, marking the first time the airline has appointed a global tennis ambassador.
The announcement builds on Emirates’ long-standing role as the Official Airline of all four Grand Slam tournaments. To mark the partnership, Sabalenka unveiled a specially branded Emirates A380 aircraft featuring a tennis-inspired livery celebrating the airline’s association with the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
Emirates and Sabalenka share a focus on performance, precision, and global excellence. With Dubai serving as a long-time base for Sabalenka’s training and preparation, the partnership reflects an established connection between athlete and brand.
The agreement follows a dominant period in Sabalenka’s career. The 27-year-old is now a four-time Grand Slam champion, having claimed a second US Open title in September last year. She also secured back-to-back Australian Open victories in 2023 and 2024, finished runner-up at AO 25, and was named WTA Tour Player of the Year for the past two consecutive seasons.
Reflecting on the partnership, Sabalenka said:
“In tennis, every little detail counts – so to align with a brand which matches my ambition and attention to detail makes this feel like a natural fit. Travelling in world-class comfort with Emirates has been key to my preparation. But this partnership represents much more than that – because it also highlights what we, as women in sport, can achieve on the world stage. Stepping off this Emirates A380 in Melbourne I feel ready to make 2026 another year to remember.”
Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand, added:
“Aryna is not only a champion on the court but a global icon who inspires millions through her determination and professionalism – qualities that resonate strongly with our ethos at Emirates. With Dubai as our shared home, we already have a strong connection with Aryna, and this partnership allows us to elevate our engagement in a truly meaningful way. Together, we hope to create unique opportunities for fans to experience the Emirates journey, both in the air and at the heart of the sport. Whether it be by offering live tennis through our ice entertainment system, or a taste of Australia through our in-flight menu. Emirates can’t wait to see what Aryna can achieve at the Australian Open and beyond in 2026.”
The partnership further strengthens Emirates’ visibility within women’s sport while reinforcing its position at the centre of the global tennis calendar as the 2026 season gets underway.
More Tennis news on The Mettleset:
- Sabalenka and Kyrgios Set for ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Dubai Showdown at Coca-Cola Arena
- Serving Up Leadership with Zayed Sports City’s Head Tennis Coach, Gorana Stevanovic Sarcevic
- Mercedes-Benz Signs Landmark Deal as Premier Partner of the WTA, Accelerating a New Era for Women’s Tennis
- Defending Champion Belinda Bencic And Filipina Star Alexandra Eala Confirmed For 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- WTA Newcomer Of The Year Victoria Mboko Confirmed For 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
