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, from the opening round to the championship finals. If you’re wondering about dates, player entries, British hopefuls, or how to tune in, this guide covers all the essential information and adds extra context to help you get the most out of the tournament.
### When does the US Open happen? The 2026 edition runs for two weeks, beginning on Sunday, 30 August, and concluding on Sunday, 13 September. Day sessions start at 4 p.m. BST, while the evening sessions kick off at midnight, giving fans both afternoon and late‑night viewing options.
### How to watch on Sky Sports Sky Sports Tennis will carry the live feed on the linear channel 407. For Sky Glass users the dedicated Sky Sports+ channel is 410; Sky Q customers can find it on 412, and viewers in the Republic of Ireland on 416.
In addition to the traditional broadcast, every match is streamed contract‑free through NOW Sports with a Day or Month membership, meaning you can watch on mobile, tablet or computer without a long‑term contract. The Sky Sports app also provides a ‘Watch’ hub where all Sky Sports+ streams are aggregated, and a daily live text commentary, scores, analysis and video highlights are available on both the app and the website. ### Qualifying and the return of mixed doubles This year’s qualifying week brings back the mixed‑doubles event, a feature that was absent for several seasons. The mixed‑doubles draw will see top singles stars such as Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka team up with doubles specialists, creating intriguing pairings and a fresh dynamic to the early stages of the tournament.
The schedule for the mixed‑doubles competition is as follows: - **Monday 24 August:** Mixed doubles qualifying - **Tuesday 25 August:** First and second rounds - **Wednesday 26 August:** Semi‑finals and final ### British representation across the draws British tennis will be well represented this year. On the men’s side, Cameron Norrie and rising talent Arthur Fery have earned spots in the main draw, the latter after an impressive Wimbledon semi‑final run as a wild‑card that propelled his ranking upward. In the women’s singles, the British No 1 is unfortunately sidelined due to a stress fracture in her right leg sustained on the grass‑court season, meaning she will miss the US Open entirely. Emma Raducanu, who has struggled with recurring injuries over the past year, is also absent from the main draw, though she may appear in the doubles or mixed‑doubles events if her health permits.
Wheelchair and quad categories will also feature British athletes, adding to the nation’s overall presence. ### Star players and title contenders The men’s field is stacked with record‑chasing legends and hungry newcomers. Novak Djokovic enters the tournament tied with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe at four US Open titles, aiming for a fifth to join Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors. Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion, will defend his crown after a dominant season that included a Wimbledon victory over Alexander Zverev.
Jannik Sinner, fresh off a French Open win, is also in contention and will be looking to reclaim the US Open title he lost to Alcaraz in the 2025 final. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No 1, seeks to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012‑14) to win three consecutive US Open titles. Serena herself, now 44, made a surprise return at Wimbledon but withdrew after a three‑set loss to Maya Joint and subsequent knee trouble.
Her potential appearance as a wild‑card at the Cincinnati Open could serve as a final tune‑up before a possible US Open comeback, which would undoubtedly be the tournament’s biggest storyline. The mixed‑doubles draw will also feature high‑profile pairings, with Sabalenka and Djokovic among those expected to compete for the title. Their involvement adds a layer of excitement for fans who enjoy seeing top singles players adapt to the unique tactics of mixed doubles.
### Detailed daily schedule Below is a concise rundown of the main‑draw schedule, highlighting when each round begins: - **30 Aug – 1 Sep:** Men’s & women’s singles – first round - **2 Sep:** Men’s & women’s singles – second round (women’s doubles 1st round) - **3 Sep:** Men’s & women’s singles – second round (women’s doubles 1st round) - **4 Sep:** Men’s & women’s singles – third round (men’s & women’s doubles 1st round) - **5 Sep:** Men’s & women’s singles – third round (women’s doubles 2nd round, men’s doubles 1st round) - **6 Sep:** Men’s & women’s singles – fourth round (men’s & women’s doubles 2nd round) - **7 Sep:** Men’s & women’s singles – fourth round (women’s doubles 3rd round, men’s doubles 2nd round) - **8 Sep:** Quarter‑finals for singles, women’s doubles quarter‑finals, men’s doubles 3rd round, wheelchair & quad doubles quarter‑finals - **9 Sep:** Singles quarter‑finals, women’s doubles semi‑finals, men’s doubles quarter‑finals, wheelchair & quad singles 1st round - **10 Sep:** Women’s singles semi‑finals, men’s doubles semi‑finals, wheelchair & quad singles quarter‑finals, wheelchair & quad doubles semi‑finals - **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 - **12 Sep:** Women’s singles final, men’s doubles final, wheelchair singles final - **13 Sep:** Men’s singles final ### Historical context and records Understanding the historical backdrop enriches the viewing experience. In the Open Era, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors share the record for most men’s singles titles at the US Open, each with five championships.
Novak Djokovic’s quest for a fifth title this year could see him join that elite group. On the women’s side, Serena Williams and Chris Evert hold the record with six titles each, followed by Steffi Graf (five) and Martina Navratilova (four). Sabalenka’s attempt to secure a third straight title would place her among a very select group of women who have dominated the tournament in consecutive years.
### How to maximise your viewing experience - **Use Chrome:** The streaming platform recommends Google Chrome for the most accessible video player and optimal performance. - **Sky Sports+ benefits:** Subscribers gain access to over 50 % more live sport this year at no extra cost, including ATP and WTA tour events that run alongside the US Open.
- **Stay updated:** The Sky Sports app provides real‑time scores, match reports, feature articles and video highlights, ensuring you never miss a pivotal moment. - **Alternative access:** If you do not have a Sky subscription, the NOW Sports Day or Month passes let you watch the entire tournament contract‑free, with the same high‑definition feed and on‑demand replays. ### Final thoughts The 2026 US Open promises a blend of historic milestones, emerging talent, and dramatic British storylines. Whether you are a die‑hard fan tracking the progress of Djokovic’s title chase, a supporter of Sabalenka’s bid for a three‑peat, or simply looking to enjoy high‑quality tennis coverage, Sky Sports offers every tool you need – live broadcasts, streaming options, comprehensive app features and expert analysis.
Mark your calendars, set your reminders for the 4 p.m. and midnight sessions, and prepare for two weeks of world‑class tennis at Flushing Meadows.