Assets:
Sabalenka reveals first tennis inspired Grand Slam tennis livery on A380
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, 15 January 2026 - Emirates has today announced a landmark partnership with the world’s No. 1 tennis player, Aryna Sabalenka, who becomes the airline’s first tennis ambassador.
The milestone, revealed as Sabalenka returns to the Australian Open (AO) striving for a third Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park, builds on Emirates’ longstanding commitment to tennis as the Official Airline of all four Grand Slams worldwide. To mark the occasion, Sabalenka unveiled an Emirates A380 aircraft adorned with a special tennis-inspired livery celebrating its sponsorship of the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open.
Sabalenka and Emirates both share a passion for excellence, innovation and a winning spirit. Dubai serving as a hub for Sabalenka's training and preparation over the years, positions her as a natural fit for Emirates.
The partnership caps a dominant period for the 27-year-old, who is now a four-time Grand Slam champion after claiming a second US Open in September last year. Sabalenka, who won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2023 and 2024, before finishing as runner-up at AO25, has also been crowned the WTA Tour Player of the Year for the past two seasons.
The Sabalenka and Emirates partnership will be amplified in a unique multi-channel campaign and brand collaboration to be unveiled later this spring. Sabalenka will also be featured on Emirates’ award-winning ice in-flight entertainment system. This year, ice will once again offer tennis fans flying to Australia the chance to watch matches live on Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra on their ice inflight entertainment, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action while travelling. They can also join other fans to watch the matches in the A380 Onboard Lounge.
Reflecting on the announcement, Sabalenka shared:
“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 said:
“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 Australian Open welcomes more than a million spectators each year, cementing its status as one of the biggest annual sporting events on the planet. The 2026 edition will run from 18 January to 1 February.
ENDS
About us:
About Emirates and tennis
Emirates' extensive portfolio of global sports and cultural partnerships connects millions of people through shared passions and world-class experiences. The airline's tennis portfolio includes some of the highest‑profile events on the ATP and WTA tours, including the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships as well as all four Grand Slams (Australian Open, Roland Garros, US Open, Wimbledon).
Beyond tennis, Emirates' commitment to connecting fans across the globe through shared sporting moments spans horse racing through the Dubai World Cup and Team Godolphin; golf via the DP World Tour; cricket across all major ICC events and the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and Lancashire County Cricket Club; sailing with Emirates Team New Zealand, SailGP and Emirates Great Britain Sail GP 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 appears on the jerseys of leading football clubs including Arsenal FC, Real Madrid CF, AC Milan, S.L. Benfica, and Olympique Lyonnais. Emirates also 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. In the UAE, the airline supports the Pro League and appears on Al Ain FC's training kit during the 2025/2026 season.
Learn more about Emirates expansive sponsorship portfolio here
Contact details:
For media enquiries, please contact [email protected]
