Aces, upsets and title dreams: What to know ahead of the 2026 US Open

Tennis's biggest stars are set to take centre stage in New York as the US Open returns for another two weeks of world-class action. The final Grand Slam tournament of the year runs from 30 August to 13 September, bringing together the best men's and women's players in the game as they battle for one of the most prestigious titles in tennis.

And the good news for fans is that every thrilling moment from USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in New York will be live on Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 508) and Sky Sports+ HD (CH 504).

Whether you're a lifelong tennis fan or simply looking for more live sport to enjoy, here's everything you need to know about the US Open.

The US Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments that make up tennis's most prestigious events, alongside the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon.

Every year, the tournament attracts the world's top players, all aiming to add one of the sport's most coveted titles to their collection.

Winning the US Open is considered one of the greatest achievements in tennis, with legends of the game across both the men's and women's tours lifting the famous trophy. The unique energy of the New York crowd, combined with the high stakes of the season's final Grand Slam, helps make it one of the most anticipated events in the sporting calendar for players and fans alike.

The tournament takes place from Sunday 30 August to Sunday 13 September 2026. Over the course of two weeks, players will compete through multiple rounds before the men's and women's singles champions are crowned in the closing days of the competition.

With matches taking place throughout the day and into the evening, fans can enjoy a packed schedule of world-class tennis from the opening round through to the finals.

The US Open is held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, one of the most famous venues in world tennis. Named after tennis legend Billie Jean King, a trailblazer for the sport and advocate for equality, the complex has hosted the tournament since 1978.

The venue features some of tennis's most iconic courts, including the renowned Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis stadium in the world. It regularly stages unforgettable championship matches in front of packed crowds, creating an atmosphere unlike any other event in the sport.

Located in Queens, the New York setting adds to the tournament's unique character, with buzzing day sessions and electrifying night matches that have become a hallmark of the US Open. The combination of world-class facilities, passionate fans and the energy of the city helps make it one of the standout events on the Grand Slam calendar.

Fans can look forward to seeing many of the biggest names in tennis competing in New York, including defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who is making a return from injury as he bids to retain his title. Reigning women's champion Aryna Sabalenka is also among the star names set to feature, aiming to add another Grand Slam trophy to her collection.

The final entry list and qualifiers will be confirmed closer to the start of the tournament, but as always, the US Open promises a world-class field packed with talent, giving fans the chance to watch the sport's biggest stars battle it out on one of tennis's grandest stages.

Watching from home can be just as exciting as the world's best players compete for Grand Slam glory under the lights at one of tennis's most iconic tournaments.

Tennis fans can watch every moment of the US Open live on Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 508) and Sky Sports+ HD (CH 504) throughout the entire tournament. With extensive coverage across the event, viewers will be able to follow the biggest matches, key storylines and the journey to the finals from the opening day right through to championship weekend.

The tournament is one of the standout live sporting events of late summer and forms part of a packed schedule of sport available across Sky Sports.

Every Grand Slam tournament has its own unique character, but the US Open has built a reputation for delivering some of tennis's most memorable moments. A combination of world-class players, a vibrant New York atmosphere and intense day and night sessions often create dramatic matches that keep fans glued to the action.

The tournament has also been the stage for landmark victories, breakthrough performances and epic battles between some of the greatest players in tennis history. That mix of sporting excellence and entertainment is what makes the US Open one of the most anticipated events on the sporting calendar every year.

As the summer of sport continues, the US Open offers another chance to enjoy elite competition live from one of the world's most famous sporting venues.

You can watch every serve, point and match live on Sky Sports Tennis or Sky Sports+, either by tuning to CH 508/504 or pressing the red button on any Sky Sports channel included in your package.

If you’re not seeing Sky Sports channels, it might just mean it’s not part of your current TV package. Log in to your account to see what channels you've got and what bundles you can upgrade to or add on.

And if you’re not a Virgin Media customer yet: our broadband and TV bundles include access to Sky Sports and TNT Sports, meaning you won't miss a second of sporting action.