The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, kicks off on August 30 and runs through September 13, 2026. This year Sky Sports will be the exclusive broadcaster, offering live coverage of every match on its dedicated Sky Sports Tennis channel and via the Sky Sports+ streaming service. Whether you prefer the traditional linear channel (Sky Sports Tennis on channel 407) or the flexible, contract‑free streaming options through NOW, you’ll have full access to the action from Flushing Meadows. **Key Dates and Schedule** The tournament schedule is packed with daily sessions that start at 4 p.m.
BST for the day matches and continue into the night, with evening sessions beginning around midnight. Qualifying rounds begin on Monday, August 24, with mixed‑doubles qualifying, followed by the main mixed‑doubles draw on August 25‑26. The men’s and women’s singles open on Sunday, August 30, and continue through the fortnight, culminating in the men’s singles final on Sunday, September 13. A detailed day‑by‑day breakdown includes: - Aug 24: Mixed doubles qualifying - Aug 25‑26: Mixed doubles first, second rounds, semi‑finals and final - Aug 27: General qualifying for singles - Aug 30‑Sep 13: Full slate of singles, doubles, mixed doubles, juniors, wheelchair and quad events, with each round clearly outlined in the official schedule.
**British Players to Watch** Britain will have a strong presence across all draws. In the men’s singles qualifying, promising talents such as Jacob Fearnley, Jack Pinnington‑Jones, Toby Samuel and Billy Harris are set to battle for a spot in the main draw. On the women’s side, Fran Jones—fresh off back‑to‑back WTA 125 titles—joins the likes of Katie Swan, Heather Watson, and Jodie Burrage in the qualifying competition.
Once the main draw begins, Cameron Norrie will represent the UK, and Arthur Fery, after a breakthrough semi‑final run at Wimbledon, will make his Grand Slam debut at Flushing Meadows. **Star Power in the Mixed Doubles Event** The mixed doubles competition returns this year, featuring a blend of doubles specialists and top singles players.
Fans can look forward to seeing Aryna Sabalenka team up with Novak Djokovic, while Serena Williams, who made a surprise mixed‑doubles appearance alongside Carlos Alcaraz, will also be on court. Sabalenka aims to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012‑14) to capture three consecutive US Open titles. **Prize Money and Player Support** The 2026 US Open boasts a record‑breaking prize pool of $108 million (about £80 million), marking a 20 % increase for the second year running. Winners of the men’s and women’s singles will each pocket $5.5 million (roughly £4 million).
Even first‑round participants will earn more than £100,000, reflecting the tournament’s commitment to rewarding players at every level. Additionally, $2 million will be allocated to a new US Open player support programme, a move championed by USTA CEO Craig Tiley, who described it as a "significant first step in a multi‑year investment in athletes." **How to Watch** Sky Sports customers can tune in on channel 407 (linear) or use Sky Sports+ on channel 410 (Sky Glass), 412 (Sky Q) or 416 (Ireland). For those without a Sky subscription, NOW offers a day‑pass or monthly membership that provides contract‑free access to Sky Sports Tennis and other live sports. The Sky Sports app also supplies live scores, text commentary, video highlights, and a dedicated ‘Watch’ section where you can stream every match live.
**Historical Context and Current Storylines** The Open era records show Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors share the men’s singles record with five titles each. Novak Djokovic, currently on four, is chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam.
On the women’s side, Serena Williams and Chris Evert hold six titles apiece, with Steffi Graf close behind with five. Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka enter as the reigning champions, while recent winners such as Emma Raducanu, Jannik Sinner, Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff add depth to the field. Alcaraz’s path to Flushing Meadows is unusual: he will not play the Canadian Open or Cincinnati Masters—a first since the Masters format began in 1990—after Sinner withdrew with injury.
Meanwhile, British No 1 faces a setback after a stress fracture forced her out of Wimbledon, and Raducanu continues to manage lingering physical issues that have limited her schedule. **Additional Coverage** Beyond live matches, Sky Sports will deliver daily text commentary, in‑depth analysis, feature stories, and video highlights across its television, digital and social platforms. The service also includes wheelchair and quad events, ensuring a comprehensive view of the tournament’s inclusive competition. **Technical Tips** For the best viewing experience, especially for the high‑definition video player, Sky recommends using the Chrome browser.
This ensures smooth playback and full access to interactive features. In summary, the 2026 US Open promises a thrilling fortnight of world‑class tennis, historic prize money, and extensive coverage on Sky Sports.
Whether you’re a die‑hard fan tracking every set or a casual viewer looking for the biggest moments, Sky Sports provides all the tools you need to enjoy the tournament live, on TV or via streaming.