Your Ultimate US Open Guide: Sky Sports Schedule, Dates & Champions
Your Complete Beginner’s Guide to the US Open 2026
Everything you need to know about the final Grand Slam of the year – made simple!
When and Where Is It Happening?
The US Open 2026 takes place at Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York from Sunday, August 30 to Sunday, September 13.
Important Point: This is the last Grand Slam of the year – the big finale of the tennis season!
How to Watch (UK & Ireland)
You can catch every single match live on Sky Sports.
| Platform | Channel Number | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sky Sports Tennis | 407 | Main dedicated tennis channel |
| Sky Sports+ | 410 (Sky Glass) / 412 (Sky Q) / 416 (Republic of Ireland) | Extra courts & matches |
| Sky Sports App | N/A | Go to the ‘Watch’ section for all live streams |
| NOW Sports | N/A | Day or Month Membership – no contract needed! |
Important Point: Sky Sports+ gives you over 50% more live sport at no extra cost if you’re already a Sky Sports customer.
The Full Schedule (Made Easy)
The tournament has two main parts: Qualifying/Mixed Doubles (early week) and the Main Draw (the big show).
Mixed Doubles Extravaganza (New for 2026!)
- Mon Aug 24: Qualifying
- Tue Aug 25: 1st & 2nd Rounds
- Wed Aug 26: Semi-Finals & Final
Main Draw – Singles & Doubles
| Date | Round / Events |
|---|---|
| Thu Aug 27 | Singles Qualifying |
| Sun Aug 30 – Tue Sep 1 | 1st Round (Men’s & Women’s) |
| Wed Sep 2 – Thu Sep 3 | 2nd Round (+ Women’s Doubles 1st Rd on Thu) |
| Fri Sep 4 – Sat Sep 5 | 3rd Round (Doubles 1st Rds start) |
| Sun Sep 6 – Mon Sep 7 | 4th Round (Round of 16) |
| Tue Sep 8 – Wed Sep 9 | Quarter-Finals |
| Thu Sep 10 | Women’s Semi-Finals |
| Fri Sep 11 | Men’s Semi-Finals + Women’s Doubles Final |
| Sat Sep 12 | Women’s Singles Final + Men’s Doubles Final |
| Sun Sep 13 | Men’s Singles Final |
Session Times (UK Time):
- Day Session: Starts 4:00 PM BST
- Evening Session: Starts 12:00 AM Midnight BST
The Superstar Mixed Doubles Teams
For the first time in years, Mixed Doubles is back during qualifying week – and the biggest names are playing! Here are the headline pairs:
- Aryna Sabalenka Novak Djokovic
- Elena Rybakina Taylor Fritz
- Iga Swiatek Casper Ruud
- Jessica Pegula Jack Draper
- Naomi Osaka Kei Nishikori
- Venus Williams Alexander Bublik
- Katie Boulter Alex de Minaur (British Hope!)
- …and 20 more exciting teams!
British Watch: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Emma Raducanu – WITHDRAWN
- Reason: Stress fracture in her right leg (sustained during grass season).
- She also missed Wimbledon. A tough 12 months with injuries for the 2021 Champion.
Jack Draper – LIKELY QUALIFYING
- Reason: Dropped outside the Top 128 ranking due to a recurring bone bruise in his left arm.
- He reached the Semi-Finals in 2024 but has barely played since. He will probably have to play qualifying matches to get into the main draw.
Definitely Playing:
- Cameron Norrie (Experienced pro)
- Arthur Fery (Rising star – made Wimbledon Semis as a wildcard!)
- Katie Boulter (Playing Mixed Doubles with Alex de Minaur)
Past Champions & Records (Last 20 Years)
| Year | Men’s Champion | Women’s Champion |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Carlos Alcaraz | Aryna Sabalenka |
| 2024 | Jannik Sinner | Aryna Sabalenka |
| 2023 | Novak Djokovic | Coco Gauff |
| 2022 | Carlos Alcaraz | Iga Swiatek |
| 2021 | Daniil Medvedev | Emma Raducanu |
| 2020 | Dominic Thiem | Naomi Osaka |
| 2019 | Rafael Nadal | Bianca Andreescu |
| 2018 | Novak Djokovic | Naomi Osaka |
| 2017 | Rafael Nadal | Sloane Stephens |
| 2016 | Stan Wawrinka | Angelique Kerber |
| 2015 | Novak Djokovic | Flavia Pennetta |
| 2014 | Marin Cilic | Serena Williams |
| 2013 | Rafael Nadal | Serena Williams |
| 2012 | Andy Murray | Serena Williams |
| 2011 | Novak Djokovic | Samantha Stosur |
| 2010 | Rafael Nadal | Kim Clijsters |
| 2009 | Juan Martin del Potro | Kim Clijsters |
| 2008 | Roger Federer | Serena Williams |
| 2007 | Roger Federer | Justine Henin |
| 2006 | Roger Federer | Maria Sharapova |
| 2005 | Roger Federer | Kim Clijsters |
All-Time Greats (Open Era)
- Men (Most Titles – 5): Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Jimmy Connors.
- Novak Djokovic has 4 – chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title.
- Women (Most Titles – 6): Serena Williams, Chris Evert.
The Big Storylines for 2026
1. Can Aryna Sabalenka Three-Peat?
She won in ’24 and ’25. No woman has won 3 in a row since Serena Williams (2012–2014). She is the World No. 1 and the heavy favorite.
2. The "Missing Masters" Mystery
Jannik Sinner (2024 Champ) and Carlos Alcaraz (2022 & 2025 Champ) did not play the tune-up events in Canada or Cincinnati.
Stat Alert: Since 1990, NO MAN has won the US Open without playing at least one of those two events. History is against them!
3. Serena Williams: The Comeback Queen?
- Age: 44.
- Status: Played Wimbledon (lost singles, withdrew doubles with knee issue).
- Plan: Playing doubles in Cincinnati with Venus to test the knee.
- Verdict: If she gets a Wild Card and is fit, she becomes the story of the tournament.
Summary: 5 Things to Remember
- Dates: Aug 30 – Sep 13 on Sky Sports Tennis (407) & Sky Sports+.
- New Fun: Mixed Doubles (Aug 24–26) features dream teams like Sabalenka/Djokovic.
- Brits: Raducanu is OUT, Draper likely qualifies, Norrie & Fery are IN.
- Champions: Alcaraz (Men) & Sabalenka (Women) defend titles.
- History Watch: Can Sabalenka 3-peat? Can Sinner/Alcaraz break the "Masters curse"? Is Serena back?
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Do I need a Sky subscription to watch?
Not necessarily! You can buy a NOW Sports Day Pass (£14.99) or Month Pass (£34.99) with no contract. Cancel anytime.
2. What time do matches start in the UK?
Day matches: 4:00 PM BST. Night matches: 12:00 AM Midnight BST. Perfect for evening viewing or late-night tennis fans!
3. Why is Jack Draper playing qualifying if he was a semi-finalist last year?
Rankings are based on a rolling 52-week window. Because he missed most of the last year with injury, his ranking points dropped, pushing him outside the Top 128 automatic entry cutoff.
4. Is Emma Raducanu retired?
No! She is only out due to a stress fracture in her leg. She plans to return once fully healed.
5. Who are the defending champions?
- Men: Carlos Alcaraz (won 2022 & 2025).
- Women: Aryna Sabalenka (won 2024 & 2025 – going for the "Three-Peat"!).
Ready for the action? Grab your snacks, set your reminders, and tune into Sky Sports from August 30th for two weeks of non-stop tennis drama at Flushing Meadows