The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, kicks off on August 30 and runs through September 13, 2026. If you’re wondering when the tournament takes place, whether rising British star Jack Draper must battle through qualifying, or if fan‑favorite Emma Raducanu will be on court, this guide has all the answers.
It also outlines how you can catch every match live on Sky Sports, what additional features are available via Sky Sports+, and which British players you can expect to see in action. ### When and Where the US Open Happens The 2026 edition of the US Open will be staged at the iconic Flushing Meadows complex in New York City. The tournament opens on Sunday, August 30, with the first‑round matches for both the men’s and women’s singles draws, and concludes on Sunday, September 13, with the men’s singles final. Day sessions start at 4 p.m.
BST, while evening sessions begin at midnight BST, giving viewers in the United Kingdom a convenient window to watch the drama unfold. ### How to Watch on Sky Sports All matches are broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports Tennis.
The linear channel is found on channel 407. For Sky Glass customers, the dedicated Sky Sports+ feed is on channel 410; Sky Q users can tune to channel 412, and viewers in the Republic of Ireland should select channel 416. In addition to the traditional TV feed, you can stream every match without a contract through NOW Sports with a Day or Month Membership, which provides access to Sky Sports+ live streams via the ‘Watch’ section of the Sky Sports app.
### What’s New This Year? One of the headline attractions for 2026 is the return of the Mixed Doubles event during the qualifying week. This year’s draw will feature a blend of doubles specialists and top singles players, including the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, who will be vying for the coveted mixed‑doubles crown.
The mixed‑doubles schedule begins with qualifying on Monday, August 24, followed by first‑ and second‑round matches on August 25, and culminates in the semi‑finals and final on August 26. British talent will also be well represented across all categories.
In the men’s singles, Jack Draper will need to qualify, while Cameron Norrie and the emerging Arthur Fery have secured main‑draw spots after impressive runs at Wimbledon. On the women’s side, the British No 1 is unfortunately sidelined due to a stress fracture in her right leg sustained during the grass‑court season, meaning she will miss the US Open entirely.
Nevertheless, other UK players will be competing in doubles and wheelchair events, adding a home‑grown element to the tournament. ### Full Match Schedule at a Glance Below is a concise rundown of the daily programme, highlighting which draws are active each day: - **Mon 24 Aug** – Mixed Doubles qualifying - **Tue 25 Aug** – Mixed Doubles first & second rounds - **Wed 26 Aug** – Mixed Doubles semi‑finals & final - **Thu 27 Aug** – Singles qualifying - **Sun 30 Aug – Tue 1 Sep** – Men’s & Women’s singles first round - **Wed 2 Sep – Thu 3 Sep** – Second round (plus Women’s doubles first round) - **Fri 4 Sep – Sat 5 Sep** – Third round (Men’s & Women’s singles) and Women’s doubles second round, Men’s doubles first round - **Sun 6 Sep – Mon 7 Sep** – Fourth round and additional doubles matches - **Tue 8 Sep** – Quarter‑finals for singles and doubles, plus Wheelchair & Quad doubles quarter‑finals - **Wed 9 Sep** – Quarter‑finals continue, Women’s doubles semi‑finals, Wheelchair & Quad singles first round - **Thu 10 Sep** – Women’s singles semi‑finals, Men’s doubles semi‑finals, Wheelchair & Quad singles quarter‑finals, Wheelchair & Quad doubles semi‑finals - **Fri 11 Sep** – Women’s doubles final, Men’s singles semi‑finals, Men’s doubles semi‑finals, Wheelchair & Quad singles semi‑finals, Wheelchair & Quad doubles final - **Sat 12 Sep** – Women’s singles final, Men’s doubles final, Wheelchair singles final - **Sun 13 Sep** – Men’s singles final ### Historical Context and Records The Open Era has seen several legends dominate the US Open.
On the men’s side, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors each hold five titles, the most in history. Novak Djokovic enters the tournament tied with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe at four titles, eyeing a possible record‑breaking 25th Grand Slam overall.
For the women, Serena Williams and Chris Evert share the record with six titles each, followed by Steffi Graf (five) and Martina Navratilova (four). Current champions include Carlos Alcaraz (men’s) and Aryna Sabalenka (women’s).
Other recent winners such as Jannik Sinner, Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu add depth to the field, making the competition fierce and unpredictable. ### Player Spotlights and Storylines - **Aryna Sabalenka** aims to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012‑14) to capture three consecutive US Open titles.
- **Jannik Sinner** will be defending his 2025 crown, hoping to reclaim the trophy after losing to Alcaraz in last year’s final. - **Carlos Alcaraz**, fresh off a fifth Grand Slam triumph at Wimbledon where he defeated Alexander Zverev, will look to add a US Open crown to his résumé. - **Emma Raducanu** faces a challenging year after a stress fracture forced her out of Wimbledon and a series of lingering physical issues have limited her recent play.
- **Jack Draper** must navigate the qualifying rounds, a test that could set the tone for his breakthrough on the biggest stage. - **Cameron Norrie** and **Arthur Fery** represent British hopes, with Norrie returning after a period of injury and Fery making his Flushing Meadows debut following a remarkable Wimbledon semi‑final run as a wildcard.
### Digital Extras and Fan Engagement Sky Sports offers more than just live broadcasts. The Sky Sports app provides: - Real‑time text commentary for every match - Live scores, detailed match reports, and expert analysis - Video highlights, best‑shot compilations, and player interviews - Access to Sky Sports+ streams via the ‘Watch’ section for on‑the‑go viewing For those without a Sky subscription, the NOW Sports Day or Month Membership delivers contract‑free streaming of the US Open, along with a broader selection of live sport. ### Practical Tips for Viewers - Use the Chrome browser for the most reliable video player experience. - Check the channel numbers above based on your equipment (Sky Glass, Sky Q, or Irish service).
- Set reminders for key sessions, especially the evening matches that start at midnight BST, to avoid missing any action. - Follow Sky Sports’ social channels for behind‑the‑scenes content, player updates, and interactive polls. ### Final Thoughts The 2026 US Open promises a blend of historic milestones, fresh talent, and compelling storylines.
Whether you’re a die‑hard tennis aficionado or a casual viewer, Sky Sports provides comprehensive coverage that includes every singles and doubles match, mixed doubles, juniors, and wheelchair competitions. With multiple platforms—linear TV, Sky Sports+, and NOW Sports—there’s a viewing option that fits every schedule and budget. Mark your calendars, set up your streaming preferences, and get ready to witness the drama, the upsets, and the triumphs that only a Grand Slam can deliver.