Your Guide to Catching Every Serve and Volley on the Big Screen
You’ve marked your calendar for the final Grand Slam of the year. The excitement is building, but a familiar question pops up: how do you actually watch the US Open tennis on TV? With matches spread across two weeks, multiple courts, and various broadcast partners, it can feel like a puzzle to solve before the first ball is even served.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan wanting to follow your favorite player from the early rounds or a casual viewer tuning in for the championship weekend, having a clear plan is key. This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll map out the official broadcast channels, detail the daily schedule, and explain how to access every match from the comfort of your living room.
The Official US Open Broadcast Landscape
The US Open has a long-standing and relatively straightforward TV partnership in the United States. For decades, ESPN has been the primary home for the tournament. This centralization is a boon for viewers, as it means the vast majority of live coverage is consolidated on one family of networks.
ESPN utilizes its suite of channels to provide comprehensive coverage. You can expect live matches, highlights, and analysis to air on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC. The ABC broadcasts are typically reserved for weekend afternoon sessions during the second week, including the women’s and men’s singles finals. This structure means you likely already have access to the core coverage if you have a standard cable, satellite, or live TV streaming service subscription.
Primary Channels for Live Match Coverage
During the two-week tournament, keep your remote pointed to these channels for wall-to-wall tennis.
ESPN and ESPN2 will carry the bulk of the daytime and evening sessions. They often split coverage, with one channel showing the premier match on Arthur Ashe Stadium and the other broadcasting action from Louis Armstrong Stadium or featured outer courts. ABC will broadcast select weekend sessions, most notably the women’s singles final on Saturday and the men’s singles final on Sunday of the second week.
For the most dedicated fans, ESPN also offers bonus coverage via ESPN+. This streaming service provides access to live feeds of up to eight different courts simultaneously. It’s the only way to watch specific outer court matches in their entirety on TV if you have a compatible streaming device.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Viewing Plan
With the channels identified, let’s build your personal viewing strategy. A little preparation ensures you won’t miss a critical match point.
Check Your Existing TV Subscription
First, verify that your current TV package includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC. This applies whether you have traditional cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, or Sling TV.
Most mid-tier and above packages from providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, or DirecTV include these channels. For streaming services, check their channel lists. Note that Sling TV’s Orange & Blue plan is required to get both ESPN and ESPN2, while services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV include them in their base plans.
Accessing ESPN+ for Outer Court Matches
If you want to follow a particular player who might be scheduled on Court 5, 7, or 11, you’ll need ESPN+. You can subscribe to ESPN+ as a standalone service through the ESPN app or website.
Many viewers bundle it with other services. The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, is a popular and cost-effective option if you already use those platforms. Once subscribed, you can watch the multi-court feeds on your smart TV, gaming console, or by casting from your phone or tablet.
Using the ESPN App for Enhanced Viewing
Regardless of how you get your ESPN channels, download the ESPN app on your streaming device or smart TV. This app acts as a powerful hub.
If you log in with your TV provider credentials, you can stream the live ESPN and ESPN2 broadcasts directly through the app. This is useful if one TV in your house is occupied. The app also integrates ESPN+ content seamlessly, allowing you to jump between the main broadcast and any of the live outer courts with a few clicks.
Navigating the Two-Week Tournament Schedule
The US Open schedule is marathon, not a sprint. Understanding the rhythm of the tournament helps you know when to tune in for the matches that matter most to you.
The first week is all about the early rounds. Coverage typically begins late morning Eastern Time and runs into the evening. This is when ESPN+ is most valuable, as dozens of matches are played concurrently across the grounds. The main TV broadcasts will jump between the most competitive matches or biggest stars.
The second week is when the draws narrow and every match becomes must-see TV. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals are all played on Arthur Ashe Stadium and are broadcast live on ESPN or ABC. Evening sessions during this week often feature blockbuster matchups.
Key Dates and Session Times to Remember
While specific times are announced closer to the event, the general framework is consistent year-to-year.
The tournament begins on the last Monday of August. Day sessions usually start at 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM ET, and night sessions begin at 7:00 PM ET. The women’s singles final is traditionally on the second Saturday afternoon, and the men’s singles final is on the second Sunday afternoon. These finals are broadcast on ABC, making them accessible to the broadest possible audience.
Troubleshooting Common Access Problems
Even with the best plan, you might hit a snag. Here are solutions to frequent issues viewers face.
I Don’t Have a Cable or Streaming TV Subscription
If you’ve cut the cord entirely, you have a couple of reliable paths to watch the US Open on your TV.
First, sign up for a live TV streaming service that carries ESPN. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV all offer free trials for new subscribers. You could time a trial to cover the final weekend of the tournament. Second, a standalone ESPN+ subscription will give you access to thousands of matches, though not the main ESPN/ESPN2/ABC broadcasts of the marquee matches. For the finals on ABC, you could use a digital antenna to get the local over-the-air broadcast for free in high definition.
Dealing with Regional Blackouts or Login Issues
Blackouts are rare for the US Open on national channels, but app authentication problems are common.
If the ESPN app says you don’t have access, first ensure your TV provider package definitely includes the channel you’re trying to watch. Then, try logging out of the app completely and logging back in. Sometimes, you may need to visit your TV provider’s website to reauthorize the ESPN app. A quick restart of your streaming device can also clear up temporary glitches.
Managing Conflicting Schedules and Recordings
Life doesn’t stop for tennis. Use your DVR or cloud DVR from your streaming service.
Set recordings for the entire “US Open” block on ESPN and ESPN2. Most services allow you to record all episodes of a program, ensuring you capture every session. For matches on ESPN+, the service often provides on-demand replays shortly after a match concludes, so you can watch at your convenience without needing to record the stream yourself.
Maximizing Your Viewing Experience
Once you have the basics locked down, a few extra steps can transform your viewing from passive watching to an immersive experience.
Follow the official US Open social media accounts and tennis journalists for real-time updates on match schedules and court assignments. The order of play for the next day is usually released in the late afternoon. This allows you to plan which channel or ESPN+ court you’ll need.
If you have a smart TV or soundbar, explore the audio settings. Some broadcasts offer a “clean” audio feed that emphasizes the sounds of the game—the pop of the serve, the grunt of the player, the shuffle of feet—with less commentary. It’s a unique way to feel closer to the action.
Your Action Plan for US Open Tennis
The path to watching the US Open on TV is clear. Start by confirming your access to ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC through your current provider. Consider adding ESPN+ if you desire deep, multi-court coverage. Bookmark the ESPN app on your preferred device and familiarize yourself with the tournament’s daily schedule.
When the first Monday of the tournament arrives, you’ll be ready. You can switch seamlessly from the main broadcast to a tight third-set battle on an outer court. You’ll have the finals set to record just in case. The complexity of the modern media landscape fades away, leaving you with nothing but the pure drama of one of the world’s greatest sporting events, delivered perfectly to your screen.
