Sky Sports secures exclusive US Open 2026 broadcast as injury concerns cloud British entry
Reigning champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka confirmed, while Raducanu withdraws and Draper faces qualification hurdles
Sky Sports has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2026 US Open tennis tournament, which runs from 30 August to 13 September at Flushing Meadows. The network will provide comprehensive coverage across its linear channels, digital platforms, and streaming services, including the Sky Sports app and NOW Sports memberships. This arrangement positions Sky Sports as the sole rights holder for the final Grand Slam of the year, encompassing men’s and women’s singles, doubles, mixed doubles, juniors, and wheelchair competitions.
The tournament structure will see the return of the mixed doubles event during the qualifying week, beginning on 24 August. Reigning singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka are confirmed to compete in the main draw. Sabalenka, currently the world number one, aims to become the first woman to win three consecutive US Open titles since Serena Williams achieved the feat between 2012 and 2014.
British participation in the main draw faces significant scrutiny due to injury-related withdrawals and ranking challenges. Emma Raducanu has been ruled out of the tournament following a stress fracture in her right leg sustained during the grass-court season, which previously forced her withdrawal from Wimbledon. This marks a continued period of physical setbacks for the British player over the past 12 months.
Meanwhile, Jack Draper faces a difficult path to the main draw after dropping outside the top 128 in the world rankings due to bone bruising in his left arm. The 24-year-old, a 2024 semi-finalist, has struggled with recurring injuries and is unlikely to reach the main draw without successful qualification. In contrast, Cameron Norrie and Arthur Fery are set to compete at Flushing Meadows, with Fery making his debut following a wildcard run to the Wimbledon semi-finals.
On the broader competitive landscape, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams remain potential participants pending fitness assessments. Djokovic, tied on four titles with Rafael Nadal and John McEnroe, continues to pursue a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Serena Williams, 44, is expected to play a wildcard match at the Cincinnati Open to evaluate her knee condition before deciding on her US Open entry. Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz will compete without prior matches in Canada or Cincinnati, a scenario where no man has won the US Open since the Masters format began in 1990.
The broadcast schedule includes daily live text commentary on the Sky Sports app and website, alongside live scores and analysis. Sky Sports Tennis is available on channel 407, with Sky Sports+ accessible on various channel numbers depending on the platform, including Sky Glass, Sky Q, and services in the Republic of Ireland. Streaming options are available through NOW Sports Day or Month Memberships without contract obligations.
