The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, is set to take centre stage from August 30 to September 13, 2026, and Sky Sports will be the exclusive broadcaster for every match. Whether you are a casual fan or a die‑hard follower, you can tune in to the action on Sky Sports Tennis (channel 407) or via the Sky Sports+ streaming service (channel 410 for Sky Glass, 412 for Sky Q, and 416 for viewers in the Republic of Ireland). For those without a traditional subscription, NOW offers contract‑free day or month passes that include the US Open, so you can watch the tournament without a long‑term commitment. **Key Dates and Schedule** The tournament kicks off with mixed‑doubles qualifying on Monday, August 24, followed by the first rounds of mixed doubles on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Qualifying for the main draws begins on Thursday, August 27. The main event launches on Sunday, August 30, with the first‑round matches for both men’s and women’s singles.
From there, the competition progresses through the second round (September 2‑3), third round (September 4‑5), and fourth round (September 6‑7). Quarter‑finals arrive on September 8‑9, semi‑finals on September 10‑11, and the finals are spread across the weekend of September 12‑13, culminating in the men’s singles championship on Sunday, September 13. Day sessions start at 4 pm BST, while evening sessions begin at midnight BST, ensuring plenty of viewing options for fans in different time zones. **What’s New This Year?** One of the most exciting additions for 2026 is the return of mixed‑doubles competition during the qualifying week.
Top singles stars such as Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka will join doubles specialists, creating a unique blend of talent that promises high‑octane matches and unexpected pairings. British players will also have a strong presence across all draws, including men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and wheelchair tennis, giving home fans plenty of athletes to cheer for. **How to Watch** Sky Sports Tennis is available on the linear channel lineup, but you can also stream every match contract‑free through NOW’s Sports Day or Month Memberships. The Sky Sports app provides live text commentary, real‑time scores, match reports, analysis, feature articles, and video highlights.
By navigating to the ‘Watch’ section within the app, you can access all Sky Sports+ live streams, ensuring you never miss a point, even if you’re on the go. For those who prefer a desktop experience, the website offers the same comprehensive coverage, complete with a daily live text feed.
**Historical Context and Records** The Open Era has seen legends such as Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors each capture five men’s singles titles at Flushing Meadows, a record they share. Novak Djokovic enters the tournament tied with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe at four titles, aiming to equal and eventually surpass that mark as he chases a potential 25th Grand Slam overall.
On the women’s side, Serena Williams and Chris Evert hold the record with six titles each, followed by Steffi Graf with five and Martina Navratilova with four. Current champions include Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, while recent victors such as Emma Raducanu, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff add depth to the field.
**British Storylines** British tennis will be front‑and‑centre this year. While the British No 1 women’s player is sidelined due to a stress fracture in her right leg sustained on grass, her absence underscores the physical toll of the sport. Emma Raducanu, once a breakout star, has endured a challenging twelve months battling lingering injuries, casting doubt on her participation. Meanwhile, Cameron Norrie and rising talent Arthur Fery have earned spots in the main draw after impressive runs, including Fery’s wild‑card semi‑final finish at Wimbledon, which propelled his ranking into the top‑100.
**Top Contenders and Storylines** Aryna Sabalenka is on a quest to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012‑14) to win three consecutive US Open titles. Novak Djokovic will be looking to add another Grand Slam to his tally, while Jannik Sinner aims to reclaim the championship that Carlos Alcaraz captured last year. Alcaraz, fresh off a fifth Grand Slam win at Wimbledon where he defeated Alexander Zverev, will be defending his title against a field hungry for an upset. **Wheelchair and Quad Events** The tournament also showcases wheelchair and quad competitions, with quarter‑finals beginning on September 8 and finals scheduled for the closing weekend.
These matches receive the same level of coverage as the able‑bodied events, highlighting Sky Sports’ commitment to inclusive tennis broadcasting. **Technical Tips** For the best streaming experience, Sky Sports recommends using the Chrome browser, which offers a more accessible video player and smoother playback.
Whether you are watching on a TV, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, the platform adapts to deliver high‑definition coverage. **Why Sky Sports Is Your Go‑To Destination** Sky Sports provides a comprehensive package: live television, on‑demand replays, in‑depth analysis, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content.
Subscribers also benefit from over 50 percent more live sport this year at no extra cost, making it a value‑rich option for tennis enthusiasts. By combining traditional broadcast channels with digital streaming via the Sky Sports app and NOW, fans have flexible ways to follow every set, break point, and championship moment.
In summary, the 2026 US Open promises a thrilling blend of historic rivalries, emerging talent, and groundbreaking moments—especially with the re‑introduction of mixed doubles and a strong British contingent. Mark your calendars, set up your preferred viewing platform, and get ready to experience the excitement of Flushing Meadows live on Sky Sports.