How to watch US Open for free from anywhere
Table of contents
Short summary: watch the 2026 US Open online
  • The 2026 US Open runs from August 23 to September 13
  • Two US Open matches per day are free on 9Now in Australia
  • Stan Sport carries comprehensive Australian coverage across the tournament
  • ESPN holds exclusive US broadcast rights through 2037
  • NordVPN can help travelers access their usual US Open stream abroad

Visit NordVPN

The 2026 US Open brings the world’s leading tennis players to New York for the final Grand Slam of the year. The full event, including Fan Week and qualifying, runs from August 23 through September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka enter as the defending singles champions. Alcaraz is on the entry list after missing the French Open and Wimbledon, creating the possibility of another major meeting with Jannik Sinner. Sabalenka’s challengers include Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, while Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev will look to close the gap at the top of the men’s game.

Australian broadcaster 9Now will stream two matches per day for free, while Stan Sport is the only Australian service showing every match live and on demand. If you normally watch 9Now but are traveling outside Australia, a VPN can help you access your usual stream by giving your device an Australian IP address.

NordVPN is our top recommendation for watching the US Open abroad. It has fast Australian servers, reliable streaming performance, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How to Watch the US Open for free with a VPN

  1. Get a reliable VPN: Claim the latest NordVPN deal
  2. Install the VPN app: NordVPN supports computers, phones, tablets, and smart TVs
  3. Connect to Australia: Choose a fast Australian VPN server
  4. Open 9Now: Register or sign in to your free account
  5. Watch the US Open: Select the available live tennis stream

Where can I watch the 2026 US Open?

US Open broadcasting rights vary by country. In Australia, Nine Network and 9Now provide free-to-air coverage, while Stan Sport is the more complete paid option. ESPN controls the tournament’s US coverage under a long-term agreement that starts in 2026.

Country or regionBroadcaster or streaming serviceFree optionCoverage
Australia9Now, Nine Network, Stan SportYes, on 9Now and NineTwo free matches per day; every match on Stan Sport
United StatesESPN, ABC, ESPN Deportes, ESPN AppSelected ABC broadcasts may be free over the airAll courts available through ESPN platforms
United KingdomSky Sports, NOWNo standard free optionLive tournament coverage
CanadaTSN, RDSNo standard free optionESPN-produced tournament coverage
EuropeEurosport, Discovery+Varies by countryCoverage in 49 European markets

Broadcast schedules can change as the event approaches. Check your local provider before the match you want to watch.

How to watch the US Open tennis for free from anywhere

9Now is the most convenient free streaming option for the 2026 US Open. Nine currently states that two matches per day will be available through Channel Nine and 9Now. It is an Australian service, so its live channels and sports broadcasts are normally unavailable when you travel overseas.

A VPN changes the IP address visible to websites and streaming apps. Connecting to an Australian VPN server makes your internet connection appear to originate in Australia, allowing you to access the regional services you normally use at home.

Step 1. Choose a VPN with Australian servers

Select a VPN that offers fast servers in Australia and consistently works with video streaming platforms. We recommend NordVPN because it delivers stable speeds and has apps for most common streaming devices.

Surfshark is a lower-cost alternative for households that need unlimited simultaneous connections. Proton VPN is also reputable, but its free version does not officially support streaming or let you reliably select Australia.

Step 2. Download the VPN app

Install the VPN on the device you will use to watch the US Open. NordVPN and Surfshark support Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, and compatible routers.

Open the app and sign in with the account you created when purchasing the VPN.

Step 3. Connect to an Australian server

Choose Australia from the VPN’s location list and establish a connection. A nearby Australian city will usually provide the best speed, but any working Australian server should give you the required IP address.

Connect before opening 9Now. If the app was already running, close it completely and restart it after the VPN connection is active.

Step 4. Sign in to 9Now

Open 9Now in your browser or launch its app. Registration is free, although the platform may ask for basic account information and an Australian postcode.

Find the live Nine or 9Gem channel carrying the match. The exact selection depends on Nine’s broadcast schedule.

Step 5. Start watching the US Open

Select the available live stream and begin watching. If 9Now still shows a location error, switch to another Australian VPN server, clear your cookies, or open the site in a private browser window.

Important:

9Now shows two matches per day rather than every court. Stan Sport is the only Australian platform offering every US Open match live and on demand.

Best VPNs for watching the US Open in 2026

We compared the providers based on Australian server availability, live-streaming performance, supported devices, and refund options. These are our top three US Open VPNs.

US Open VPNBest forAustralian serversFree option
1. NordVPNBest overall US Open VPNYes30-day money-back guarantee
2. SurfsharkBest value US Open VPN for many devicesYes7-day free trial plus 30-day money-back guarantee
3. Proton VPNPrivacy-focused alternative to stream tennisYes, paid plan onlyFree plan available, but unsuitable for this stream

1. NordVPN – best VPN for US Open streaming

NordVPN is our first choice for watching the 2026 US Open while traveling. Its fast Australian servers are suitable for live HD video, and its NordLynx protocol minimizes the speed loss caused by encrypting and rerouting your traffic.

The service supports popular computers, phones, smart TVs, and streaming devices. One subscription allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is enough for most households.

NordVPN also includes SmartPlay technology, which operates automatically when you connect. If you cannot access 9Now on the first attempt, its 24/7 customer-support team can recommend a suitable Australian server.

Why we recommend NordVPN:

  • Fast Australian servers for live tennis
  • Reliable access to popular streaming platforms
  • Apps for computers, phones, televisions, and streaming sticks
  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
Visit NordVPN

Read our NordVPN review to learn more about its streaming, security, and privacy features.

2. Surfshark – affordable US Open VPN for unlimited devices

Surfshark is a good choice if several people in your household want to use the VPN. Its regular paid subscriptions allow unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect every compatible phone, laptop, and television without buying another account.

The provider has Australian servers and offers modern protocols capable of handling HD streams. Eligible new customers can use its trial, while qualifying first purchases include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why choose Surfshark:

  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Australian servers
  • Apps for popular streaming platforms
  • Competitive long-term pricing
  • Trial on eligible plans and a 30-day refund period
Visit Surfshark

Read our Surfshark review for more information about streaming features.

3. Proton VPN – secure option with a limited free plan

Proton VPN offers a free plan without a fixed monthly data allowance, making it more trustworthy than many unknown free VPN services. However, the free tier is not a dependable choice for watching the US Open on 9Now.

Proton states that streaming support is available on paid plans. Free users also cannot reliably select the Australian location required for 9Now. Proton VPN Plus can work as a paid alternative, but NordVPN and Surfshark provide a simpler short-term route through their refund policies.

Proton VPN Free limitations:

  • Streaming is not officially supported
  • Australia cannot be reliably selected on the free plan
  • Free servers can become congested
  • 9Now access is not guaranteed
Visit Proton VPN

Our Proton VPN review explains its streaming features.

How to watch the US Open in the United States

ESPN remains the exclusive US rightsholder for the US Open through 2037. Its new 12-year agreement begins in 2026 and expands online coverage.

US viewers can expect coverage across ESPN television channels, ABC, ESPN Deportes, and the ESPN App. The deal guarantees daily access to play from every court. ESPN also plans a fast-moving whip-around stream during the first week of the main draw.

ABC continues to carry Middle Sunday and the tournament’s final Sunday. An antenna may provide free access to your local ABC station, but availability depends on your location and reception.

Cord-cutters can access ESPN channels through compatible live-TV services. Check current channel lineups before subscribing because packages and regional ABC availability can differ.

How to watch the US Open in Australia

Australian fans have both free and paid viewing options. Nine Network and 9Now will provide two free matches per day, with the exact match selection appearing in Nine’s daily schedule.

Stan Sport provides the broader tournament offering and is the better choice if you want more courts rather than only the matches selected for free-to-air television.

If you are an Australian resident temporarily overseas, connect your VPN to Australia before signing in to 9Now or Stan. A VPN does not remove Stan Sport’s subscription requirement.

How to watch the US Open in the UK

Sky Sports is the UK home of the US Open under its current rights agreement. Subscribers can watch through Sky’s television channels and supported streaming services.

NOW provides access without a traditional satellite-TV contract, although a paid Sports membership is required. UK residents traveling abroad can connect to a UK VPN server to access the services they normally use, subject to the provider’s terms.

How to watch the US Open in Canada

TSN and French-language RDS carry the US Open in Canada as part of ESPN’s extended rights agreement. Coverage is available through supported television packages and the broadcasters’ streaming services.

Canadian subscribers abroad can connect to a Canadian VPN server before opening TSN or RDS. A valid subscription is still required.

Can I watch every US Open match free on 9Now?

No. Nine currently states that Channel Nine and 9Now will show two matches per day. Stan Sport is the only Australian service providing every US Open match live and on demand.

If you only want the featured televised matches, 9Now may be sufficient. Viewers following a particular player or an outer-court match will need Stan Sport or another official broadcaster with all-court access.

Check 9Now’s daily schedule once the tournament starts. Match selection can change because tennis sessions depend on earlier results, weather, and match duration.

2026 US Open dates and schedule

The official 2026 US Open period runs from Sunday, August 23, through Sunday, September 13. The event now spans three weeks, beginning with Fan Week and concluding with the singles championships.

Tournament stageDate
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day and Fan Week beginsSunday, August 23
US Open Fan WeekAugust 23–29
Qualifying and pre-main-draw eventsFan Week
Main-draw competitionLate August–September 13
Final SundaySunday, September 13

The complete order of play is released closer to each session. Consult the official US Open schedule for individual matches, courts, and start times.

US Open stream not working with a VPN

Streaming platforms use several methods to identify VPN traffic. Try these fixes if 9Now or another broadcaster does not load:

  1. Disconnect and connect to another server in the same country
  2. Clear the streaming website’s cookies and cached data
  3. Use an incognito or private browser window
  4. Close and restart both the VPN and streaming apps
  5. Disable browser location access when it conflicts with the VPN location
  6. Change to another VPN protocol in the app settings
  7. Confirm that your visible IP address matches the selected country
  8. Ask the VPN’s support team for a streaming-compatible server

If the stream loads but buffers, select a closer server within the same country, stop background downloads, and temporarily reduce the video quality.

VPN use is legal in most countries, including Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. People commonly use VPNs to secure public Wi-Fi connections and protect personal information while traveling.

Streaming platforms have their own terms and geographic licensing conditions. Using a VPN to change the location detected by a service may conflict with those rules, even when using the VPN itself is legal. A platform may block the connection, and access is never guaranteed.

Always use legitimate broadcasters and valid accounts. A VPN should not be used to access pirated tennis streams or for any unlawful activity.

Final thoughts: stream the 2026 US Open online

Australian viewers have the clearest free route to the 2026 US Open. Nine Network and 9Now offer two matches per day without a paid subscription, while Stan Sport provides every match live and on demand.

ESPN holds US rights, Sky Sports carries the event in the UK, and TSN and RDS serve Canadian viewers. Across much of continental Europe, coverage is available through Eurosport and discovery+.

If you normally watch 9Now and are traveling outside Australia, NordVPN is our top recommendation. Its fast Australian servers, broad device support, and 30-day money-back guarantee make it the strongest option for live tennis.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the 2026 US Open for free?

Australian viewers can watch two US Open matches per day free through Nine Network and 9Now. A free 9Now account may be required. Stan Sport is needed to watch every match in Australia.

When is the 2026 US Open tennis tournament?

The complete event runs from August 23 through September 13, 2026. Fan Week takes place during the opening week, followed by the main-draw competition and finals.

What channel shows the US Open in the US?

ESPN holds exclusive US rights. Coverage is available across ESPN platforms, ABC, ESPN Deportes, and the ESPN App, with all courts available daily.

Is the US Open free on 9Now?

Yes. 9Now provides two US Open matches per day free in Australia. Stan Sport is the paid option for viewers who want every match live and on demand.

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Which VPN is best for watching the US Open?

NordVPN is our top choice because it offers fast Australian, US, UK, and Canadian servers and supports popular streaming devices. Surfshark is a good budget alternative for unlimited devices.

Can Proton VPN Free unblock 9Now?

It is unlikely to be reliable. Proton VPN Free does not officially support streaming and does not consistently let users select an Australian server. A paid streaming VPN is a better option.

Can I watch the US Open on my smart TV?

Yes. 9Now, ESPN, Sky, Stan, and the recommended VPNs support various smart TVs and streaming devices. If your television does not allow VPN apps, install the VPN on a compatible router or share a protected connection from a computer.

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