The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, arrives each year in late summer, and 2026 is no exception. From August 30 through September 13, Sky Sports will be the exclusive home for every match played at Flushing Meadows, offering fans a comprehensive, high‑definition viewing experience across its linear channels and the Sky Sports+ streaming platform. Whether you are a casual observer or a die‑hard follower of the sport, this guide will walk you through the schedule, the key storylines, the British hopefuls, and the practical details you need to enjoy the tournament without missing a beat. **When does the US Open take place?** The tournament kicks off on Sunday, August 30, with the first‑round singles matches for both men and women, and it concludes on Sunday, September 13, when the men’s singles champion is crowned.
The event spans fifteen days of intense competition, featuring singles, doubles, mixed doubles, junior, and wheelchair categories. All of these contests will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis (channel 407 on the linear service) and streamed without a contract through Sky Sports+ (channel 410 for Sky Glass users, 412 for Sky Q subscribers, and 416 for viewers in the Republic of Ireland). **How to watch the action** If you prefer traditional TV, simply tune to the appropriate channel number on your Sky box. For those who like the flexibility of streaming, the Sky Sports app provides live video, real‑time scores, match commentary, and a library of highlights.
The app also hosts a dedicated "Watch" section where you can access all Sky Sports+ live streams, including the US Open, with a NOW Sports Day or Month membership if you don’t already have a Sky subscription. These memberships are contract‑free, allowing you to test the service for a single day or a month before committing. **Schedule at a glance** - *Monday 24 August*: Mixed‑doubles qualifying begins.
- *Tuesday 25 August*: First and second rounds of mixed doubles. - *Wednesday 26 August*: Mixed‑doubles semi‑finals and final. - *Thursday 27 August*: General qualifying for singles and doubles.
- *Sunday 30 August – Sunday 13 September*: Main‑draw matches across all categories, with day sessions starting at 4 p.m. BST and evening sessions rolling out at midnight BST. The daily breakdown continues through the quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, and finals for each discipline, ensuring that fans can plan ahead for the matches that matter most to them.
**Key storylines and players to watch** - *Novak Djokovic*: The Serbian star enters the tournament tied with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe on four US Open titles, and he is chasing a record‑breaking 25th Grand Slam overall. A win would also bring him level with Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, and Jimmy Connors, each of whom holds five men’s singles titles in the Open era. - *Carlos Alcaraz*: The 2025 champion returns to defend his crown after a spectacular Wimbledon victory over Alexander Zverev.
Alcaraz aims to become the first man since the Masters‑1000 era began in 1990 to win the US Open without having played a lead‑up event in Canada or Cincinnati, a feat no player has achieved before. - *Aryna Sabalenka*: World No. 1 Sabalenka is on the verge of becoming the first woman since Serena Williams (2012‑14) to capture three consecutive US Open titles.
Her powerful baseline game and mental toughness make her a favorite in the women’s draw. - *British contenders*: The tournament will feature a strong British presence. Cameron Norrie and rising star Arthur Fery are set to make their Flushing Meadows debuts after impressive runs at Wimbledon. Meanwhile, the British No.
1 women’s player is sidelined by a stress fracture in her right leg, a setback that has forced her out of Wimbledon and casts doubt on her US Open participation. - *Emma Raducanu*: The former champion has endured a challenging 12‑month period plagued by recurring injuries, including a bone bruise in her left arm that dropped her out of the world’s top 128. Her return to the main draw will be closely watched by fans hoping she can recapture past glory. - *Jannik Sinner*: The Italian prodigy, fresh off a Wimbledon triumph over Zverev, seeks to reclaim the US Open title he lost to Alcaraz in the previous year’s final.
His aggressive play and composure under pressure make him a formidable contender. - *Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff*: Both have secured recent Grand Slam victories and will be looking to add another trophy to their collections. Their presence adds depth and excitement to the women’s field.
**Mixed doubles makes a comeback** After a brief hiatus, mixed doubles returns to the US Open schedule, featuring top singles stars like Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka alongside doubles specialists. This event adds an extra layer of intrigue, as fans can see how the world’s best players adapt to the unique tactics required in mixed‑gender partnership play. **Wheelchair and quad competitions** The US Open continues its tradition of inclusivity by hosting wheelchair and quad events across singles and doubles.
These matches will also be broadcast live, with dedicated commentary and analysis, highlighting the athleticism and determination of the participants. **How to stay updated** Beyond live video, Sky Sports provides a suite of digital tools: - *Live text commentary*: Available on the Sky Sports app and website for every match. - *Real‑time scores and statistics*: Updated minute‑by‑minute. - *In‑depth analysis and feature stories*: Covering player form, tactical breakdowns, and behind‑the‑scenes insights.
- *Video highlights*: Curated clips of the best points, rallies, and celebrations. **Technical tips** For the smoothest streaming experience, Sky Sports recommends using the Chrome browser, which offers the most accessible video player. If you encounter any issues, the app’s help centre provides troubleshooting steps and contact information for further assistance.
**Why choose Sky Sports for the US Open?** Sky Sports delivers more than just live matches; it offers a holistic tennis experience. Subscribers enjoy over‑50 % more live sport this year at no extra cost, thanks to the integration of Sky Sports+ streams.
The network’s expertise in tennis broadcasting ensures high‑quality production, insightful commentary from former players, and comprehensive coverage of every discipline, from juniors to wheelchair tennis. In summary, the 2026 US Open promises a thrilling fortnight of world‑class tennis, historic milestones, and compelling narratives.
Whether you are cheering for a British hopeful, tracking Djokovic’s Grand Slam chase, or simply enjoying the spectacle of mixed doubles, Sky Sports provides all the tools you need to stay connected. Mark your calendar, set up your preferred viewing method, and get ready for the drama, athleticism, and unforgettable moments that only the US Open can deliver.