Ultimate US Open Guide: Full Schedule, Winners & Sky Sports TV Times
US Open 2026: Your Complete Beginner’s Guide to the Final Grand Slam of the Year
Quick Summary: The US Open runs from August 30 to September 13, 2026 at Flushing Meadows, New York. You can watch every match live on Sky Sports Tennis (channel 407) or stream via Sky Sports+ and the Sky Sports app. Big names like Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner are playing — but Emma Raducanu is out injured, and Jack Draper might have to qualify.
When Is the US Open 2026?
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Main Tournament | Sunday, August 30 – Sunday, September 13 |
| Mixed Doubles Qualifying | Monday, August 24 |
| Mixed Doubles Rounds | Tuesday–Wednesday, August 25–26 |
| Singles Qualifying | Thursday, August 27 |
| First Round (Singles) | Sunday–Tuesday, August 30 – September 1 |
| Finals Weekend | Women’s Final: Saturday, Sept 12 • Men’s Final: Sunday, Sept 13 |
Session Times (UK/BST):
• Day sessions start at 4:00 PM
• Evening sessions start at Midnight
How to Watch the US Open 2026 on Sky Sports
You have multiple ways to catch every serve, volley, and match point:
Option 1: Sky Sports TV Channels
| Platform | Channel Number |
|---|---|
| Sky Sports Tennis (main) | 407 |
| Sky Sports+ (extra courts) | 410 (Sky Glass) • 412 (Sky Q) • 416 (Republic of Ireland) |
Option 2: Stream on the Sky Sports App
- Open the Sky Sports app
- Tap the ‘Watch’ section
- Select US Open event centres for live streams on Sky Sports+
Option 3: No Contract? Get a NOW Sports Pass
- Day or Month Membership available at nowtv.com
- No long-term commitment — cancel anytime
Extra Coverage
- Live text commentary on Sky Sports app & website
- Live scores, reports, analysis, videos across digital & social channels
- All events covered: Men’s/Women’s singles, doubles, mixed doubles, juniors, wheelchair
Full Day-by-Day Schedule (Main Draw)
| Date | Round / Events |
|---|---|
| Aug 30–Sep 1 | Men’s & Women’s 1st Round |
| Sep 2–3 | 2nd Round + Women’s Doubles 1st Round (Sep 3) |
| Sep 4–5 | 3rd Round + Doubles 1st Rounds |
| Sep 6–7 | 4th Round (Round of 16) + Doubles 2nd/3rd Rounds |
| Sep 8–9 | Quarterfinals (Singles + Doubles) + Wheelchair starts |
| Sep 10 | Women’s Semifinals + Men’s Doubles Semis + Wheelchair QFs/Semis |
| Sep 11 | Men’s Semifinals + Women’s Doubles Final + Wheelchair Semis/Finals |
| Sep 12 | Women’s Singles Final + Men’s Doubles Final |
| Sep 13 | Men’s Singles Final |
New This Year: Mixed Doubles Extravaganza!
For the first time in years, Mixed Doubles returns during qualifying week (Aug 24–26) — and top singles stars are teaming up!
Star-Studded Mixed Doubles Pairs
| Female Player | Male Player |
|---|---|
| Aryna Sabalenka | Novak Djokovic |
| Elena Rybakina | Taylor Fritz |
| Mirra Andreeva | Andrey Rublev |
| Iga Swiatek | Casper Ruud |
| Belinda Bencic | Flavio Cobolli |
| Jessica Pegula | Jack Draper |
| Emma Navarro | Tommy Paul |
| Leylah Fernandez | Frances Tiafoe |
| Katie Boulter | Alex de Minaur |
| Venus Williams | Alexander Bublik |
| Naomi Osaka | Kei Nishikori |
| + 15 more pro pairs! |
Why this matters: Usually, top singles players skip mixed doubles. This year, they’re playing — making it must-watch tennis!
Past Champions (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 Martín 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 Records (Open Era)
- Men: Federer, Sampras, Connors — 5 titles each
→ Djokovic has 4 (chasing 25th Grand Slam overall) - Women: Serena Williams & Chris Evert — 6 titles each
British Players to Watch
| Player | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Draper | May need to qualify | 2024 semifinalist; dropped out of top 128 due to arm injury (bone bruising) |
| Katie Boulter | Main draw (singles + mixed) | Paired with Alex de Minaur in mixed doubles |
| Cameron Norrie | Main draw | Veteran presence |
| Arthur Fery | Main draw debut! | Wimbledon semifinalist (wild card) — ranking soared |
| Emma Raducanu | OUT | Stress fracture in right leg (from grass season); missed Wimbledon too |
Important: Since 1990, no man has won the US Open without playing at least one of Canada/Cincinnati tune-ups.
→ Both Sinner and Alcaraz skipped both this year — history says that’s a red flag!
Top Storylines for 2026
1. Aryna Sabalenka: Going for a Three-Peat!
- World No. 1, defending champion (2024, 2025)
- Could be first woman since Serena (2012–14) to win three straight US Opens
- Also playing mixed doubles with Novak Djokovic — a "dream team"!
2. Jannik Sinner: Can He Bounce Back?
- Won Wimbledon 2026 (5th Grand Slam)
- Lost US Open title to Alcaraz in 2025 final
- Hasn’t played Canada or Cincinnati — breaks 34-year trend
3. Serena Williams: A Farewell Tour?
- Age 44, returned at Wimbledon 2026 (lost in 3 sets)
- Knee trouble forced doubles withdrawal with Venus
- Wild card for Cincinnati → if healthy, US Open wildcard likely
- Would be biggest story of the tournament
4. Novak Djokovic: Chasing History
- 24 Grand Slams (record)
- Needs 1 more for 25 — and 5th US Open to tie Federer/Sampras/Connors
- Playing mixed doubles with Sabalenka — double duty!
Summary: What You Need to Know
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Aug 30 – Sep 13, 2026 |
| Where | Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York |
| TV | Sky Sports Tennis (407), Sky Sports+ (410/412/416) |
| Stream | Sky Sports App → ‘Watch’ section OR NOW Sports Pass |
| Defending Champs | Carlos Alcaraz (M), Aryna Sabalenka (W) |
| Brits In | Boulter, Norrie, Fery (+ Draper in mixed doubles) |
| Brits Out | Emma Raducanu (injury), Jack Draper (may qualify) |
| New Feature | Mixed Doubles during qualifying week (Aug 24–26) |
| Biggest Storylines | Sabalenka 3-peat? Sinner’s tune-up skip? Serena’s return? Djokovic’s 25th? |
FAQ: Your US Open 2026 Questions Answered
1. Do I need a Sky Sports subscription to watch?
Not necessarily! You can buy a NOW Sports Day or Month Pass with no contract — perfect for just the two weeks of the tournament.
2. Why isn’t Emma Raducanu playing?
She suffered a stress fracture in her right leg during the grass-court season (before Wimbledon) and hasn’t recovered in time. It’s been a tough 12 months with recurring injuries.
3. Does Jack Draper have to play qualifying?
Yes, it looks likely. He dropped outside the top 128 in the rankings due to a recurrence of bone bruising in his left arm, which has limited his play for over a year. He’ll need to win 3 qualifying matches to reach the main draw.
4. What’s special about the mixed doubles this year?
It’s back during qualifying week (Aug 24–26) and features superstar pairings like Sabalenka/Djokovic, Swiatek/Ruud, and Pegula/Draper — rare for top singles players to commit!
5. Has anyone ever won the US Open without playing Canada or Cincinnati?
No man has done it since 1990 (when the Masters format began). Both Sinner and Alcaraz skipped both events — so history is against them!
Final Thought: Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the drama, the 2026 US Open has it all: legends chasing records, rising stars, surprise comebacks, and a brand-new mixed doubles show.
Grab your snacks, set your alarms (midnight sessions!), and enjoy the last Grand Slam of the year — only on Sky Sports.