Emirates Appoints World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka as First-Ever Tennis Ambassador

Emirates has announced a landmark global partnership with the world’s No. 1 women’s tennis player, Aryna Sabalenka, naming the four-time Grand Slam champion as its first-ever tennis ambassador in a move that further strengthens the airline’s deep-rooted association with the sport.

The milestone partnership builds on Emirates’ long-standing commitment to tennis as the Official Airline of all four Grand Slams worldwide – the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open.

To commemorate the announcement, Sabalenka unveiled an Emirates A380 aircraft featuring a bespoke tennis-inspired livery, celebrating the airline’s sponsorship of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.

Both Emirates and Sabalenka are united by a shared passion for excellence, innovation and a relentless winning spirit. With Dubai having served as a key hub for Sabalenka’s training and preparation over the years, the partnership is widely regarded as a natural fit, reinforcing the strong connection between the Belarusian star and the UAE-based airline.

The announcement comes at the peak of a dominant phase in Sabalenka’s career. The 27-year-old is now a four-time Grand Slam champion, having secured her second US Open title in September last year.

She previously claimed back-to-back Australian Open crowns in 2023 and 2024, before finishing as runner-up at the 2025 edition. Her remarkable consistency and dominance have also earned her the WTA Tour Player of the Year award for two consecutive seasons.

Reacting to the partnership, Sabalenka described the collaboration as a meeting of shared values and ambition.
“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,” she said.

“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.

“I feel proud and excited to partner with Emirates, a brand whose values of quality and excellence closely align with mine.”
On his part, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, Boutros Boutros, said Sabalenka embodies the spirit and values that define the airline’s global brand.

“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,” Boutros said. “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.”

Emirates boasts one of the most extensive sports and cultural sponsorship portfolios in the world, connecting millions of fans through shared passions and premium experiences. Its tennis portfolio includes several of the sport’s most high-profile events on the ATP and WTA tours, notably the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, alongside all four Grand Slam tournaments.

Beyond tennis, the airline’s global sporting partnerships span horse racing through the Dubai World Cup and Team Godolphin; golf via the DP World Tour; cricket across major ICC events and the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires as well as Lancashire County Cricket Club; sailing with Emirates Team New Zealand, SailGP and Emirates Great Britain SailGP team; basketball through the NBA, Real Madrid and Beirut Basketball Club; cycling with UAE Team Emirates XRG; and Australian rules football with Collingwood FC.

Emirates’ iconic Fly Better branding also features prominently on the jerseys of leading football clubs including Arsenal FC, Real Madrid CF, AC Milan, SL Benfica and Olympique Lyonnais, while the airline serves as Platinum Partner to FC Bayern Munich’s first team.

Emirates has been the title sponsor of The FA Cup for nearly a decade and continues to support domestic football in the UAE, including the Pro League and Al Ain FC during the 2025/2026 season.

With the appointment of Aryna Sabalenka as its first tennis ambassador, Emirates has further cemented its position at the intersection of global sport, excellence and premium travel.