A Historic “First Serve” for Emirates
In a milestone for sports marketing, Emirates has officially named World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka as its first-ever individual brand ambassador from the world of professional tennis. The multi-year deal was unveiled in Melbourne just as the 2026 season kicked off, marking a shift for the airline from sponsoring entire tournaments to partnering with individual icons.
The “Grand Slam” Airbus A380
To celebrate the partnership, Sabalenka helped reveal a spectacular new livery on an Airbus A380. The “Grand Slam” design features:
- Tournament Colors: Signature summer blue (Australian Open), red-clay (Roland-Garros), green and purple (Wimbledon), and yellow and blue (US Open).
- Global Reach: The aircraft is already serving major routes including London, Houston, and So Paulo, bringing the spirit of the sport to skies worldwide.
A Partnership Rooted in Dubai
The alliance is more than a commercial deal; it is a homecoming. Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has long used Dubai as her primary global training hub.
- Shared Ambition: Sabalenka noted that the airline’s attention to detail matches her own preparation on court.
- Empowerment: The Belarusian star emphasized that the partnership highlights the global achievements of women in sports.
Dominating the 2026 Season
Sabalenka enters 2026 at the peak of her powers, having been named WTA Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons. Following the announcement, she successfully cleared her first-round hurdle at the Australian Open on January 18, defeating French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah (6-4, 6-1) in front of legends Roger Federer and Rod Laver.
“Aryna is not only a champion on the court but a global icon who inspires millions… qualities that resonate strongly with our ethos.” Boutros Boutros, Emirates Executive VP