The US Open is fast approaching, and fans are already buzzing with questions: When does the tournament kick off? Will rising star Jack Draper have to battle through qualifying? Is Emma Raducanu back on the court? And which players are most likely to lift the trophy at Flushing Meadows?
All of these queries and more will be answered as the final Grand Slam of the 2026 calendar year unfolds from August 30 to September 13, with every match streamed live on Sky Sports Tennis. Sky Sports has secured exclusive live rights to the entire event, meaning that from Sunday, August 30 through to the championship finals on Sunday, September 13, the network will be the sole broadcaster for all action at the iconic New York venue. Whether you prefer the traditional linear channel (Sky Sports Tennis on channel 407) or the on‑demand service Sky Sports+, you’ll find the tournament easily accessible. Sky Sports+ is available on channel 410 for Sky Glass users, 412 for Sky Q subscribers, and 416 for viewers in the Republic of Ireland.
This year’s schedule brings a few notable changes. The qualifying week will feature the return of the mixed‑doubles competition, giving doubles specialists and top‑ranked singles players a chance to contest a coveted title. Fans can look forward to seeing the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic teaming up with partners in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill and chemistry.
British tennis will also have a strong presence across the draws. In the men’s and women’s singles, as well as the doubles and wheelchair events, several home‑grown talents have earned spots either directly in the main draw or through qualifying. Names such as Jacob Fearnley, Jack Pinnington‑Jones, Toby Samuel and Billy Harris will be fighting for a place in the men’s singles field, while on the women’s side Fran Jones—fresh off back‑to‑back WTA 125 titles—along with Katie Swan, Heather Watson and Jodie Burrage, are all in contention.
The tournament’s daily timetable is packed. Day sessions start at 4 p.m.
BST, with evening sessions launching at midnight, ensuring that viewers in the UK can catch live action at convenient times. A concise rundown of the schedule includes: - Monday 24 August: Mixed‑doubles qualifying - Tuesday 25 August: Mixed‑doubles first and second rounds - Wednesday 26 August: Mixed‑doubles semifinals and final - Thursday 27 August: Men’s and women’s singles qualifying - Sunday 30 August through Monday 31 August: First‑round matches for both genders - Early September: Progression through second, third and fourth rounds, followed by quarter‑finals, semifinals and finals across all categories, culminating with the men’s singles final on Sunday 13 September. Beyond the on‑court drama, Sky Sports will deliver a comprehensive digital experience.
The Sky Sports app provides live text commentary, real‑time scores, in‑depth analysis, feature articles and highlight videos. Subscribers can also access the ‘Watch’ section of the app to stream every Sky Sports+ feed, ensuring that no match is missed, even for those who cannot watch on a television set.
If you don’t already have a Sky Sports subscription, you can still enjoy the US Open via a flexible NOW Sports Day or Month membership. These contract‑free options grant access to Sky Sports Tennis and a host of other live sports, making it easy to dip your toe into the tournament without a long‑term commitment.
From a historical perspective, the US Open continues to be a stage for record‑breaking performances. In the Open Era, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors share the men’s singles record with five titles each.
Novak Djokovic enters the tournament tied with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe at four titles, eyeing a potential sixth to join the elite group. On the women’s side, Serena Williams and Chris Evert hold the record with six championships, while Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova follow with five and four respectively. Current champions Carlos Alcaraz (men’s) and Aryna Sabalenka (women’s) will defend their crowns, and other recent winners such as Emma Raducanu, Jannik Sinner, Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff add depth to the field. Notably, Alcaraz will compete in New York without having played the Canadian or Cincinnati Masters—a departure from the norm since the Masters format began in 1990, when every US Open champion had participated in at least one of those lead‑up events.
Injury news also shapes the lineup. The British No. 1 woman will miss the tournament due to a stress fracture in her right leg sustained on grass, while a 2024 US Open semifinalist is sidelined with bone bruising in his left arm. Despite these setbacks, the British contingent remains robust, with Cameron Norrie and rising star Arthur Fery set to appear in the main draw.
Financially, the tournament has announced a historic prize‑money pool of $108 million (about £80 million), marking a 20 percent increase for the second year running. Winners of the singles titles will each pocket $5.5 million (roughly £4 million), and even first‑round participants will earn more than £100,000.
An additional $2 million will fund a new US Open player‑support programme, underscoring the event’s commitment to athlete welfare. Overall, Sky Sports offers the most complete coverage of the US Open, from live broadcasts and streaming to detailed reporting and interactive features. Whether you are a casual fan or a tennis aficionado, the network’s multi‑platform approach ensures you can follow every serve, rally and championship moment wherever you are.