Emirates inks ATP tennis sponsorship deal

Emirates and the ATP have announced a new global partnership in which the Dubai carrier will become the official airline of the ATP World Tour.

Emirates will also become the new title sponsor of the ATP Rankings, as of January 1, it said in a statement.

As part of the five-year agreement, Emirates also becomes an official platinum partner of the ATP World Tour, as well as the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, through to 2017.

The airline said the partnership will enable it to "engage with viewers across a number of different mainstream and digital platforms".

“We’re delighted to welcome Emirates as the official airline of the ATP World Tour,” said Brad Drewett, ATP executive chairman and president.

“It's fantastic news for men's professional tennis that a brand of Emirates' global stature has pledged its support to the ATP World Tour for the next five years. This long-term commitment from Emirates is a testament to the world-class entertainment that is enjoyed by millions of fans across the world on the ATP World Tour."

Sir Maurice Flanagan, executive vice chairman of Emirates Airline and Group, added: “This tie up with the ATP World Tour and Rankings is a perfect addition to our existing portfolio of global sports sponsorships.

“We see it as a natural extension of our current presence at high profile tennis events including sponsorship of several ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events, the Emirates Airline US Open Series and being an official partner of the US Open.”

Emirates is already a significant supporter of high profile sport in the UK and internationally with a prestigious portfolio which includes the FIFA World Cup, the 2012 Ryder Cup, the International Cricket Council and Arsenal Football Club at Emirates Stadium, as well as the Emirates Airline Glasgow Rugby Sevens.