Emirates names Aryna Sabalenka as first tennis ambassador
Emirates has announced a landmark partnership with Aryna Sabalenka, appointing the world's No. 1 player as the airline's first tennis ambassador.
The partnership builds on Emirates' long-standing association with tennis as the Official Airline of all four Grand Slams. To mark the announcement, Sabalenka unveiled an Emirates A380 aircraft featuring a tennis-inspired livery highlighting the airline's sponsorship of the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
With Dubai having served as a base for Sabalenka's training and preparation over the years, the airline said the partnership reflects a natural alignment.
The 27-year-old Sabalenka is a four-time Grand Slam champion, having secured her second US Open title in September last year. She also won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2023 and 2024, before finishing as runner-up in 2025. Sabalenka has been named the WTA Tour Player of the Year for the past two consecutive seasons.
Sabalenka said the partnership reflects a shared focus on precision and ambition, while Emirates described her as a global icon whose excellence and professionalism align with the airline's values.
Emirates' global sports and cultural partnerships span major international events, including its tennis portfolio, which features leading tournaments on the ATP and WTA tours, such as the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, as well as all four Grand Slams.
