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 home 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 tennis enthusiast, you can tune in to watch the world’s top players battle it out on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. **When and Where to Watch** From Sunday, August 30, until the championship final on Sunday, September 13, Sky Sports will broadcast the entire tournament. The linear channel for Sky Sports Tennis is 407.
For those with Sky Glass, the service is on channel 410; Sky Q users can find it on 412, and viewers in the Republic of Ireland on 416. In addition, every match is available contract‑free via NOW Sports with a Day or Month pass, giving you the flexibility to stream without a long‑term commitment.
**What’s New This Year?** One of the headline attractions for 2026 is the return of the mixed‑doubles qualifying week. This event will see a blend of doubles specialists and leading singles stars—such as Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic—competing for the coveted mixed‑doubles title.
The mixed‑doubles draw will commence with qualifying on Monday, August 24, followed by first‑ and second‑round action on August 25, and culminate in semi‑finals and a final on August 26. British talent will also be well represented across all categories. In men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and wheelchair tennis, you can expect to see a strong contingent of UK players fighting for breakthroughs. Notable names include Cameron Norrie, who is already in the main draw, and rising star Arthur Fery, who earned his spot after an impressive Wimbledon semi‑final run as a wild card.
**Daily 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 events, with day sessions starting at 4 pm BST and night sessions kicking off at midnight BST. The detailed day‑by‑day breakdown includes first‑round matches for both men’s and women’s singles beginning on August 30, followed by progressive rounds through to the finals.
Doubles events (men’s, women’s, mixed, wheelchair, and quad) are interspersed throughout the fortnight, ensuring a continuous stream of high‑stakes tennis. **Key Players and Storylines** - **Men’s Singles:** Novak Djokovic is chasing a record‑tying fifth US Open title, putting him level with legends Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors. He currently sits at four titles, tied with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe, as he aims for a historic 25th Grand Slam overall. Carlos Alcaráz, the defending champion, returns without having played the Canadian or Cincinnati Masters—a first since the Masters format began in 1990.
- **Women’s Singles:** Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, is targeting a third consecutive US Open crown, a feat not achieved since Serena Williams (2012‑14).
Other recent champions such as Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner (who withdrew due to injury), and Emma Raducanu (currently sidelined by a stress fracture) add depth to the field. - **British Prospects:** While the British No. 1 women’s player will miss the tournament due to a leg stress fracture, several home‑grown talents remain in contention. In men’s qualifying, Jacob Fearnley, Jack Pinnington‑Jones, Toby Samuel and Billy Harris are eager to earn a main‑draw spot.
On the women’s side, Fran Jones—fresh off back‑to‑back WTA 125 titles—along with Katie Swan, Heather Watson and Jodie Burrage, will battle for qualification. **Prize Money Milestone** The 2026 US Open announces a record‑breaking total prize fund of US$108 million (approximately £80 million), marking a 20 percent increase for the second year in a row. Winners of the men’s and women’s singles titles will each pocket US$5.5 million (about £4 million). Even first‑round participants will earn more than £100,000, reflecting the tournament’s commitment to rewarding players at every level.
A $2 million (≈£1.5 million) allocation will support a new player‑support programme, aimed at enhancing athlete welfare and development. **How to Stay Informed** Sky Sports will supplement live broadcasts with a daily live text commentary on its app and website, plus real‑time scores, match reports, expert analysis, feature articles and video highlights.
The Sky Sports app’s ‘Watch’ section aggregates all Sky Sports+ streams, making it easy to switch between matches on the go. For those without a Sky subscription, the NOW Sports Day or Month pass provides contract‑free access to the US Open and a host of other live sports. **Technical Tips** For the best viewing experience, especially for video playback, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser. This ensures optimal compatibility with the platform’s video player and reduces buffering issues.
**Historical Context** The US Open has long been a stage for record‑breaking achievements. In the Open Era, Federer, Sampras and Connors share the men’s singles record with five titles each. Djokovic’s quest for a fifth US Open win would place him alongside those greats. On the women’s side, Serena Williams and Chris Evert hold the record with six titles each, followed by Steffi Graf (five) and Martina Navratilova (four).
These milestones add an extra layer of intrigue as the 2026 edition unfolds. **Conclusion** Whether you are tracking the quest for a historic fifth US Open title, cheering on British hopefuls, or simply enjoying the drama of mixed‑doubles action, Sky Sports offers comprehensive coverage of every match. With multiple viewing options—linear TV, Sky Sports+, and NOW Sports—fans can tailor their experience to suit any schedule or device. Mark your calendars for August 30 through September 13, and prepare for two weeks of world‑class tennis at Flushing Meadows, all streamed live on Sky Sports.