The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, returns this year with a packed schedule that runs from Sunday, August 30, through Sunday, September 13, 2026. Fans across the United Kingdom and Ireland can tune in to Sky Sports Tennis for comprehensive, live coverage of every match, from the early qualifying rounds to the championship finals.
Whether you prefer the traditional linear channel or the on‑demand streaming options via Sky Sports+, the tournament will be available on channel 407 (Sky Sports Tennis) and on Sky Sports+ channels 410 (Sky Glass), 412 (Sky Q) and 416 (Republic of Ireland). For those without a Sky subscription, NOW offers contract‑free day or month passes that grant access to the same live feeds, making it easy to catch the action without a long‑term commitment. ### Schedule Overview The programme kicks off with mixed‑doubles qualifying on Monday, August 24, followed by the first and second rounds of mixed doubles on Tuesday, August 25. The mixed‑doubles semi‑finals and final take place on Wednesday, August 26, before the main singles qualifying begins on Thursday, August 27.
The main draw opens on Sunday, August 30, with the first‑round matches for both men’s and women’s singles. From there, the tournament progresses through successive rounds, culminating in the men’s singles final on Sunday, September 13. Day sessions start at 4 p.m.
BST, while evening sessions begin at midnight, giving viewers plenty of options to watch live. ### Key Players and Storylines The 2026 US Open promises several compelling narratives. In the men’s draw, world‑number‑one Novak Djokovic is chasing a record‑breaking 25th Grand Slam title, aiming to equal the Open‑era record of five US Open men’s singles crowns held by Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors. He currently sits level with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe on four titles each, so a win would place him at the top of the list.
Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, will be back in Flushing Meadows without having played the Canadian or Cincinnati Masters—an unprecedented move, as every male champion since the Masters format began in 1990 has competed in at least one of those events. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka enters as the world No. 1 and seeks to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012‑14) to capture three consecutive US Open titles. Sabalenka’s quest is set against a backdrop of strong British representation: despite the British No.
1 withdrawing due to a stress fracture in her right leg, other UK players such as Cameron Norrie, Arthur Fery, Jacob Fearnley, Jack Pinnington Jones, Toby Samuel, Billy Harris, Fran Jones, Katie Swan, Heather Watson and Jodie Burrage will be competing in either the main draw or qualifying rounds. Emma Raducanu, a former champion, has endured a difficult year with recurring injuries, including a stress fracture that forced her out of Wimbledon and a lingering issue that kept her from the 2024 semi‑finals.
Her participation this year remains uncertain, and fans will be watching closely for any updates on her health. Similarly, Jannik Sinner, another recent title‑holder, withdrew from the Canadian Masters with an injury, meaning he will also miss the US Open. ### British Talent in Qualifying Qualifying begins on Monday, August 24, and features a strong contingent of British players eager to earn a spot in the main draw. In the men’s singles qualifiers, rising stars Jacob Fearnley, Jack Pinnington Jones, Toby Samuel and Billy Harris are among the names to watch.
The women’s qualifiers include Fran Jones, who has just secured back‑to‑back WTA 125 titles, alongside Katie Swan, Heather Watson, Jodie Burrage and others. These players will battle for the limited spots that lead into the prestigious Flushing Meadows courts. ### Coverage and Extras Sky Sports will broadcast every match live, and all matches will also be available via the Sky Sports+ streaming service.
In addition to live video, the Sky Sports app and website will provide a daily live text commentary, real‑time scores, detailed match reports, expert analysis, feature articles and highlight reels. Fans can also explore a library of tennis videos, best‑shot compilations and post‑match interviews. The app’s ‘Watch’ section consolidates all Sky Sports+ live streams, making it simple to switch between channels and catch any match on the go. For those who prefer a contract‑free option, NOW’s Sports Day or Month Memberships grant access to the same live coverage without a long‑term commitment.
These passes are especially useful for casual viewers who only want to watch the US Open and perhaps a few other sporting events. ### Historical Context The US Open has a rich history of legendary champions. In the Open era, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors each hold five men’s singles titles, a record that Djokovic hopes to match or surpass. On the women’s side, Serena Williams and Chris Evert share the record with six titles each, followed by Steffi Graf (five) and Martina Navratilova (four).
The tournament also showcases mixed doubles, doubles, junior and wheelchair events, providing a platform for a diverse range of athletes. ### Practical Information To enjoy the best viewing experience, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player. The schedule listed above outlines the exact dates for each round, ensuring fans can plan their viewing parties accordingly.
Whether you are a die‑hard tennis enthusiast or a casual viewer, the 2026 US Open on Sky Sports offers an unparalleled blend of high‑stakes competition, historic milestones and emerging talent. In summary, from August 30 to September 13, Sky Sports will be the exclusive home for live US Open tennis, delivering every match across multiple platforms, extensive analysis, and a host of additional features.
With world‑class players vying for historic achievements and a strong British presence throughout the draws, this edition of the US Open promises excitement, drama and unforgettable moments for tennis fans worldwide.