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 the opening day on August 30 through to the climactic men’s final on September 13, Sky Sports will be the exclusive home for every match, offering live coverage on its linear channel 407 and the Sky Sports+ streaming service (channels 410, 412 and 416 depending on your platform). If you prefer a contract‑free option, the NOW Sports Day or Month Membership gives you full access to the tournament without a long‑term commitment. **Key Dates and What to Expect** The tournament kicks off with mixed‑doubles qualifying on Monday, August 24, followed by the first rounds of mixed doubles on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The main qualifying rounds for singles begin on Thursday, August 27, leading into the first‑round action for both the men’s and women’s draws on Sunday, August 30. From there, the schedule unfolds day by day, with early rounds moving into the second and third rounds, then the quarter‑finals, semi‑finals and finals across all disciplines – singles, doubles, mixed doubles, juniors and wheelchair events. Day sessions start at 4 p.m. BST, while evening sessions begin at midnight, ensuring fans worldwide can catch the drama.
**British Players to Watch** The UK will be well represented this year. In men’s singles qualifying, rising stars such as Jacob Fearnley, Jack Pinnington‑Jones, Toby Samuel and Billy Harris will battle for a spot in the main draw. On the women’s side, Fran Jones, fresh off back‑to‑back WTA 125 titles, joins Katie Swan, Heather Watson and Jodie Burrage in the qualifying draw that starts on August 24.
In the main draw, Cameron Norrie returns to Flushing Meadows, and Arthur Fery makes his Grand Slam debut after an impressive Wimbledon semi‑final run as a wild card. Unfortunately, the British No.
1 woman will miss the tournament due to a stress fracture in her right leg sustained on the grass courts, and a 2024 semi‑finalist is sidelined with bone bruising in his left arm. Despite these setbacks, the depth of British talent ensures plenty of home‑grown excitement. **Star Power and Record‑Breaking Goals** The US Open will feature some of the biggest names in the sport.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka aims to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012‑14) to win three consecutive US Open titles.
Novak Djokovic, currently tied with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe at four titles, will be chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam as he looks to equal the Open‑era record held by Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors (five each). On the women’s side, Serena Williams and Chris Evert share the record for most titles (six), while Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova trail close behind.
Reigning champions Carlos Alcaraz and Sabalenka will defend their crowns, and recent winners such as Emma Raducanu, Jannik Sinner, Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff add further intrigue. **Unique Features This Year** One notable change is the return of mixed‑doubles competition during the qualifying week, pitting doubles specialists against top singles players. Fans can look forward to seeing pairs like Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic team up, adding a fresh dynamic to the tournament. Additionally, the event will showcase wheelchair and quad competitions, highlighting the sport’s inclusivity and the high level of athleticism across all categories.
**How to Watch** Sky Sports provides multiple ways to follow the action. Traditional TV viewers can tune into channel 407, while Sky Glass users access Sky Sports+ on channel 410, Sky Q subscribers on 412, and Irish customers on 416.
For mobile and desktop users, the Sky Sports app offers live streams, match highlights, daily text commentary, scores, analysis and feature videos. The ‘Watch’ section of the app aggregates all Sky Sports+ live streams, making it easy to jump between matches. If you don’t already have a Sky subscription, the NOW Sports Day or Month Membership gives you contract‑free access to the US Open and a broader slate of live sport, with no extra cost for Sky Sports+ content.
**Historical Context and Records** The US Open has a rich history of legendary performances. In the Open era, the men’s singles record for most titles is shared by Federer, Sampras and Connors at five each. Djokovic’s quest for a sixth would place him alone at the top.
On the women’s side, Williams and Evert’s six titles remain the benchmark, with Graf and Navratilova not far behind. The tournament also serves as a proving ground for younger talent; Alcaraz, at just 20, is already a multiple Grand Slam champion, while Sabalenka continues to dominate the women’s tour.
**Practical Information** All matches will be available live on Sky Sports+ without any additional fee for Sky Sports customers. The service can be accessed via the Sky Sports app, which also provides a live text commentary feed, up‑to‑date scores, post‑match reports and video highlights.
For the best viewing experience, especially for video playback, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser. **Conclusion** Whether you are a die‑hard tennis aficionado, a casual fan, or a supporter of British players, the 2026 US Open promises a thrilling fortnight of world‑class sport.
With Sky Sports delivering comprehensive coverage across TV and digital platforms, you won’t miss a single rally, upset or historic moment. Mark your calendars, set your reminders for the 4 p.m. and midnight sessions, and get ready to experience the drama of Flushing Meadows from the comfort of your home or on the go.