The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, kicks off on August 30 and runs through September 13, 2026. Sky Sports will be the exclusive broadcaster for every match, offering live coverage on its dedicated Sky Sports Tennis channel and the streaming service Sky Sports+.
Whether you are a casual fan or a die‑hard follower, you can tune in to the action from Flushing Meadows on channel 407 (linear), 410 for Sky Glass users, 412 for Sky Q customers, and 416 for viewers in the Republic of Ireland. This year’s tournament promises several notable storylines. The mixed‑doubles event returns after a brief hiatus, pitting seasoned doubles specialists against top singles players such as Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic.
The competition will unfold over a week of qualifying matches beginning on Monday, August 24, followed by the main draw from the weekend of August 30. British talent will also feature prominently across all draws, with players like Cameron Norrie, Arthur Fery, Jacob Fearnley, Jack Pinnington‑Jones, Toby Samuel and Billy Harris in the men’s singles qualifiers, and Fran Jones, Katie Swan, Heather Watson and Jodie Burrage vying for spots in the women’s draw. Sky Sports will deliver a comprehensive package: live television broadcasts, real‑time text commentary on the Sky Sports app and website, detailed match reports, in‑depth analysis, feature stories and highlight reels. Subscribers can also access every match via the Sky Sports+ streams located in the "Watch" section of the app.
For those without a traditional Sky subscription, NOW Sports offers contract‑free day or month passes that include Sky Sports Tennis and a host of other live sports. The schedule is packed. Day sessions start at 4 p.m. BST, while evening sessions begin at midnight, ensuring fans worldwide can catch the marquee matches.
Highlights of the timetable include: - August 24‑27: Mixed‑doubles qualifying and early rounds. - August 30‑September 3: First‑ and second‑round singles action, plus the opening rounds of women’s doubles. - September 4‑9: Third‑ and fourth‑round battles, quarter‑finals across singles, doubles and wheelchair categories. - September 10‑13: Semi‑finals and finals for all events, culminating in the men’s singles championship on the final day.
Historical context adds extra intrigue. In the Open Era, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors share the record for most men’s singles titles at five each. Novak Djokovic enters the tournament tied with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe on four titles and is chasing a record‑breaking 25th Grand Slam.
On the women’s side, Serena Williams and Chris Evert hold the joint record with six titles, followed by Steffi Graf (five) and Martina Navratilova (four). Current champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka will defend their crowns, while recent winners such as Emma Raducanu, Jannik Sinner, Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff add depth to the field. Injury news also shapes the draw. The British No.
1 will miss the tournament due to a stress fracture in her right leg sustained on grass, while a 2024 semi‑finalist is sidelined with bone bruising in his left arm. Despite these setbacks, the British contingent remains strong, with several qualifiers hoping to break through. Prize money reaches an unprecedented $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 (≈£4 million), and even first‑round participants will earn over £100,000. A $2 million contribution to a new US Open player‑support programme underscores the tournament’s commitment to athlete welfare.
USTA chief executive Craig Tiley, formerly of Tennis Australia, highlighted the significance of these investments, stating that the US Open aims to remain the premier economic platform for players, fans and partners. The expanded prize pool and player benefits are intended to deter the kind of protests seen at the French Open and Wimbledon.
For viewers seeking the best experience, Sky Sports recommends using the Chrome browser for optimal video playback. Whether you watch on a TV, laptop, tablet or smartphone, the Sky Sports app provides live scores, video highlights, and a daily text commentary feed. In summary, the 2026 US Open offers a rich tapestry of competition, history, and financial incentives. Sky Sports is positioned as the sole live broadcaster, delivering every match across multiple platforms, comprehensive coverage, and easy access for both subscribers and contract‑free viewers.
Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready for two weeks of world‑class tennis at Flushing Meadows.