The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, returns this year with a packed schedule, star‑studded line‑up and plenty of British talent to keep fans on the edge of their seats. From August 30 through September 13, Sky Sports will be the exclusive home for every match, offering both traditional linear broadcasts and streaming via Sky Sports+ and the NOW platform. Whether you are a casual viewer or a die‑hard tennis aficionado, here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can expect, how to tune in, and the storylines that could shape the tournament.
### When and Where Does the US Open Take Place? The 2026 edition of the US Open runs from Sunday, 30 August, to Sunday, 13 September.
All action is centred at the iconic Flushing Meadows‑Corona Park in New York, where the world’s best players compete on hard courts under the bright summer lights. Day sessions kick off at 4 p.m. BST, while the evening sessions begin at midnight BST, giving UK viewers a convenient window to catch the drama. ### How to Watch on Sky Sports Sky Sports has secured exclusive live rights for the entire tournament.
The main channel, Sky Sports Tennis, is found on linear channel 407. For those who prefer streaming, Sky Sports+ is available on channel 410 for Sky Glass users, 412 for Sky Q subscribers, and 416 for viewers in the Republic of Ireland. In addition, the Sky Sports app provides a dedicated "Watch" section where you can stream every match live, access replays, and enjoy a daily text commentary feed that keeps you updated on scores, key moments and analysis. If you don’t already have a Sky subscription, you can still enjoy the US Open via a contract‑free NOW Sports Day or Month Membership.
This flexible option gives you access to Sky Sports Tennis and a host of other live sports without a long‑term commitment. ### Schedule Overview – From Qualifying to Finals **Qualifying Week (24‑27 August)** - Monday, 24 Aug: Mixed Doubles qualifying begins, offering a glimpse of pairs that could cause upsets later in the tournament. - Tuesday, 25 Aug: Mixed Doubles first and second rounds.
- Wednesday, 26 Aug: Mixed Doubles semi‑finals and final – a showcase for top singles players like Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka who are also competing in the mixed event. - Thursday, 27 Aug: Traditional men’s and women’s singles qualifying matches. **Main Draw (30 August – 13 September)** - 30 Aug – 1 Sep: First‑round matches across men’s and women’s singles.
- 2 Sep – 3 Sep: Second‑round action, with women’s doubles also kicking off. - 4 Sep – 5 Sep: Third‑round battles, plus the start of men’s and women’s doubles. - 6 Sep – 7 Sep: Fourth‑round clashes, where the field narrows dramatically.
- 8 Sep – 9 Sep: Quarter‑finals for singles and doubles, plus wheelchair and quad events. - 10 Sep – 11 Sep: Semi‑finals across all categories, including the much‑anticipated women’s singles semi‑finals. - 12 Sep – 13 Sep: The finals – women’s singles on Saturday, men’s singles on Sunday, with doubles and wheelchair finals interspersed.
All matches are broadcast live, and the schedule is designed so that fans can follow their favourite players throughout the week. ### Key Storylines and Players to Watch - **Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam Quest**: Djokovic enters the tournament tied with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe on four US Open titles. A win would give him his fifth, matching the record held by Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors, and bring him one step closer to a historic 25th Grand Slam overall.
- **Aryna Sabalenka’s Triple‑Crown Ambition**: The world No. 1 aims to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012‑14) to claim three consecutive US Open titles.
Her participation in both the women’s singles and mixed doubles adds an extra layer of intrigue. - **British Hopefuls**: While the British No. 1 is sidelined with a stress fracture, other home‑grown talents will be on display. Cameron Norrie returns after a successful Wimbledon semi‑final run, and rising star Arthur Fery makes his debut at Flushing Meadows after a breakthrough at Wimbledon.
- **Young Contenders**: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the reigning men’s champion and a former finalist respectively, will be looking to add another major to their resumes. Notably, both have skipped the Canadian and Cincinnati Masters this year, breaking a trend that has held since the Masters format began in 1990. - **Women’s Field**: Alongside Sabalenka, former champions like Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff and the returning Serena Williams (now 44) add depth.
Williams’ recent Wimbledon appearance, though cut short by a knee issue, hints at a potential wildcard entry that could become the tournament’s biggest storyline. ### Additional Coverage and Features Sky Sports’ digital platforms will complement the live broadcasts with: - **Live Scores and Text Commentary**: Updated minute‑by‑minute on the Sky Sports app and website. - **Video Highlights and Analysis**: Post‑match breakdowns, player interviews, and expert panels.
- **Special Features**: In‑depth pieces on the history of the US Open, player profiles, and behind‑the‑scenes looks at the tournament’s preparation. - **Wheelchair and Quad Events**: Comprehensive coverage of these categories, highlighting the skill and determination of athletes competing at the highest level. ### How to Get the Most Out of Your Viewing Experience 1. **Set Up Your Device**: For the best video player performance, use the Chrome browser on desktop or the Sky Sports app on mobile devices.
2. **Plan Your Schedule**: With day sessions at 4 p.m. BST and evening sessions at midnight, you can fit the tournament around work or study commitments.
3. **Engage on Social Media**: Follow Sky Sports’ official accounts for real‑time updates, fan polls, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content. 4. **Explore the NOW Platform**: If you’re not a Sky subscriber, a NOW Sports Day or Month pass gives you contract‑free access to all live matches and on‑demand replays.
### Historical Context and Records The US Open has a rich legacy of record‑breaking performances. In the Open Era, Federer, Sampras and Connors each hold five men’s singles titles. Djokovic’s pursuit of a fifth title this year could see him join that elite group. On the women’s side, Serena Williams and Chris Evert share the record with six titles each, while Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova follow with five and four respectively.
These milestones add an extra layer of drama as current champions strive to etch their names alongside the legends. ### Final Thoughts Whether you’re cheering for a British hopeful, tracking the chase for a historic Grand Slam record, or simply enjoying world‑class tennis, the 2026 US Open promises a fortnight of unforgettable moments. With Sky Sports providing comprehensive live coverage, multiple streaming options, and a wealth of supplemental content, you won’t miss a single point. Grab your NOW Sports pass or tune in via Sky Sports+ and get ready for the excitement that only Flushing Meadows can deliver.