The 146th edition of tennis grand slam the US Open features defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka.

For the first time since 1999, the men’s world number one is not involved because Jannik Sinner has a knee injury.

“I feel like I’m one of the 128 players who are favourites in the draw,” men’s number one seed Alex Zverev said before the action started.

Here are all the key details to follow the 2026 US Open, including the schedule and how to watch on TV and live stream.

When is the US Open 2026? Tennis tournament dates

The main draw starts with the first round on Sunday, August 30 2026 and runs until Sunday, September 13.

What time does play start at the US Open 2026? Order of play

Day sessions start at 16:00 BST / 11:00 ET / 08:00 PT, with night sessions at midnight BST / 16:00 ET / 11:00 PT.

You can read the full US Open schedule of play.

Here’s the earliest singles play will begin from the start of the quarter-final stage. Asterisk denotes play starting the following day in the specified territory.

US Open 2026 confirmed schedule, full dates

Here’s the full schedule for the singles competition.

Where to watch the US Open 2026: TV channel, live online stream

Sky Sports have the live broadcast rights to the 2026 US Open in the UK. Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a day membership, £27.99 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.

UK streaming is on the Sky Go app.

In the US, ESPN will show the US Open. Subscriptions range from $13.99 to $31.99 a month or $139.99-$319.99 a year

US streaming is on ESPN Plus.

Who will win the US Open 2026? Flushing Meadows contenders

Second seed Alcaraz, who also won the tournament in 2022, was a warm favourite before his opening match, although the Spaniard missed the French Open and Wimbledon through injury.

Zverev, who lost the Wimbledon final to Sinner, was second favourite, with Arthur Fils and Ben Shelton considered long shots but the next-most likely champions, according to bookmakers.

Sabalenka was favourite to become women’s champion for a third successive year, with 2023 winner and home favourite Coco Gauff not far behind.

2022 champion and six-time grand slam title champion Iga Swiatek was also deemed a contender.

“You have the target on your back,” Sabalenka said at this month’s Cincinnati Open. “Everyone wants to beat you.

“But I feel like it’s the same if you’re number one, number two or number 10 It doesn’t really matter what the ranking is; when you go out there on the court, everyone wants to beat you.

“It’s just extra motivation for others to go out there and be fearless and play their best tennis. You have to deal with players performing at their best and get the job done.”

Shelton warned it would be “disrespectful” to consider Sinner’s absence a “massive opportunity” when grand slam winners this year are involved.

“To discredit the group that is playing high-level tennis right now wouldn’t be smart,” explained Shelton.

“Going into a tournament like this, I always have respect for whoever is playing.”