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 rounds to the championship finals. If you’re wondering about dates, player entries, British hopes, and how to tune in, this guide covers all the essentials and adds extra context to help you get the most out of the tournament.
### When does the US Open happen? The 2026 edition of the US Open runs for two weeks, beginning on Sunday, August 30, and concluding on Sunday, September 13.
Matches are split into daytime sessions that start at 4 p.m. BST and evening sessions that kick off at midnight BST, giving fans worldwide a chance to catch live action at convenient times.
### How to watch on Sky Sports Sky Sports Tennis will carry the entire tournament on its linear channel (channel 407). For those who prefer streaming, Sky Sports+ offers the same live feed on channel 410 for Sky Glass users, channel 412 for Sky Q subscribers, and channel 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 contract‑free via a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership – a perfect option if you don’t already have a Sky subscription.
### What’s new this year? One of the headline changes for 2026 is the return of the Mixed Doubles event during the qualifying week.
This revival means that doubles specialists and top singles players will team up, creating intriguing pairings such as Aryna Sabalenka with Novak Djokovic. The mixed‑doubles draw will feature qualifying matches on August 24, first‑ and second‑round action on August 25, and the semi‑finals and final on August 26. ### British representation British tennis will have a noticeable presence across several draws.
In men’s singles qualifying, rising stars like Jacob Fearnley, Jack Pinnington‑Jones, Toby Samuel and Billy Harris will battle for a main‑draw spot. On the women’s side, Fran Jones – fresh off back‑to‑back WTA 125 titles – is a contender, alongside Katie Swan, Heather Watson, Jodie Burrage and the ever‑reliable Dart.
Main‑draw entries include Cameron Norrie and the newly‑emerged Arthur Fery, who earned a wild‑card after an impressive Wimbledon semi‑final run. ### Star players and title chances The men’s field remains stacked. Novak Djokovic, currently tied with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe at four US Open titles, will be chasing a fifth to match the record held by Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors. A fifth would also bring him within striking distance of a historic 25th Grand Slam overall.
Carlos Alcaraz arrives as the defending champion, while Jannik Sinner, despite withdrawing from the Canadian and Cincinnati events due to injury, hopes to make a deep run. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, aims to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012‑14) to win three consecutive US Open titles. Serena, now 44, made a surprise Wimbledon return but withdrew after a knee issue, leaving the spotlight firmly on Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and the recent champion Emma Raducanu, who has endured a difficult year with recurring injuries.
### Schedule at a glance - **Monday 24 Aug** – Mixed Doubles qualifying - **Tuesday 25 Aug** – Mixed Doubles first & second rounds - **Wednesday 26 Aug** – Mixed Doubles semi‑finals & final - **Thursday 27 Aug** – Men’s and Women’s singles qualifying - **Sunday 30 Aug – Sunday 13 Sep** – Main‑draw action across all categories (singles, doubles, mixed, juniors, wheelchair and quad events). Detailed daily breakdowns include first‑round matches, second‑round progress, quarter‑finals, semi‑finals and finals for each discipline.
### How to stay updated Sky Sports will supplement live broadcasts with a daily live text commentary on the Sky Sports app and website, offering real‑time scores, match reports, expert analysis, feature articles and highlight videos. The app also provides a library of tennis videos, best‑shot compilations and a dedicated news feed. ### Accessibility and technical notes For the best streaming experience, Sky Sports recommends using the Chrome browser, which supports a more accessible video player.
This ensures smoother playback and easier navigation of live streams, especially during high‑traffic moments such as the semi‑finals and finals. ### Historical context The US Open has a rich legacy.
In the Open Era, Federer, Sampras and Connors each hold five men’s singles titles, while Serena Williams and Chris Evert share the women’s record with six titles each. Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a fifth US Open win would place him among these legends, and Sabalenka’s quest for a third straight women’s title would echo Serena’s dominance in the early 2010s. ### Injuries and withdrawals Unfortunately, British No.
1 faces a stress fracture in her right leg sustained on the grass‑court season, forcing her out of Wimbledon and likely the US Open. Emma Raducanu also struggles with lingering physical issues, while a 2024 US Open semi‑finalist is sidelined due to bone bruising in his left arm, limiting his tournament participation. ### Why stream with NOW? If you don’t have a traditional Sky subscription, NOW Sports offers a flexible, contract‑free way to watch the US Open.
A Day or Month pass grants you access to Sky Sports Tennis and all other live sport on the platform, giving you the same comprehensive coverage without a long‑term commitment. ### Final thoughts The 2026 US Open promises a blend of historic narratives, fresh talent, and high‑stakes drama across every discipline. Whether you’re a die‑hard tennis aficionado or a casual fan, Sky Sports provides every tool you need to follow the action: live TV, on‑demand streaming, real‑time commentary, and a wealth of supplemental content.
Mark your calendar, set up your preferred viewing method, and get ready for two weeks of world‑class tennis at Flushing Meadows.