You’re probably here because you’re scrolling through your guide, remote in hand, wondering why on earth the US Open tennis on tv today isn’t showing up.
It’s frustrating. I get it.
The short answer? You won't find the US Open on your screen right now—at least not live from New York. Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. While the US Open is arguably the loudest, most electric Grand Slam on the calendar, it’s a late-summer tradition. If you’re looking for a "today" schedule in the middle of January, you’re actually looking for the Australian Open, which is currently taking over the airwaves.
When Does the US Open Tennis on TV Today Actually Happen?
The 2026 US Open is officially scheduled to run from August 30 to September 13, 2026.
There is a weirdly common misconception that because tennis is a year-round sport, the "Open" (a term people use loosely) is always on. But the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is currently sitting under the New York winter chill.
If you want to watch the US Open live, you have to wait for the humidity of August. However, ESPN and the Tennis Channel often run "Classic" matches this time of year. If your TV guide says "US Open," it’s almost certainly a replay of a legendary final, like Alcaraz’s 2022 run or one of Coco Gauff’s night session thrillers.
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What You Can Watch Right Now (January 17, 2026)
Since you’re clearly in the mood for high-stakes hardcourt tennis, here is what is actually on the tube today.
Today marks the tail end of Opening Week at the Australian Open. It’s the final push of the qualifying rounds in Melbourne. While the main draw doesn’t start until tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, today is actually a huge day for "Kids Tennis Day" and practice sessions featuring the big names.
- ESPN2 / ESPN+: You'll see live coverage of the Australian Open qualifying finals. These are "win or go home" matches for players trying to get into the main bracket.
- Tennis Channel: They are currently broadcasting the finals of the ATP Auckland (ASB Classic) and the WTA Adelaide International.
- Auckland Final: Sebastian Baez is taking on Jakub Mensik.
- Adelaide Final: It's a heavy-hitter matchup with Mirra Andreeva facing Victoria Mboko.
Basically, if you turn on the TV today expecting Arthur Ashe Stadium, you’re going to see Rod Laver Arena instead.
The 2026 US Open TV Rights: A New Era
When August finally rolls around, the way we watch US Open tennis on tv today is going to feel a bit different.
Starting in 2026, a massive new 12-year media rights deal kicks in between the USTA and ESPN. It’s worth about $2.04 billion. That’s a lot of zeros just to watch people hit a yellow ball over a net.
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What does this mean for you? For the first time, the USTA is actually taking over the "host broadcaster" duties. In the past, ESPN handled the cameras and the feeds. Now, the USTA is doing it themselves, similar to how Wimbledon handles its own production.
You’ll still find the matches on:
- ESPN and ESPN2: The main home for the big matches.
- ABC: Expect more "Middle Sunday" and Final coverage on broadcast TV.
- ESPN+: This is the big one. Every single court will be streamed here. If you want to watch a random doubles match on Court 17, this is where you go.
- ESPN Deportes: For the Spanish-language coverage.
Why the Schedule is Moving Earlier
You might notice that the 2026 start date of August 30 is a tiny bit different than years past. The USTA has been tweaking "Fan Week."
Fan Week now officially starts on August 23, 2026. This includes the qualifying tournament and Arthur Ashe Kids' Day. They’ve seen record-breaking crowds recently—over a million people passed through the gates in 2025—so they are leaning hard into making the "pre-tournament" a televised event too.
Common TV Schedule Mistakes to Avoid
Most people get burned by "Encore" presentations.
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ESPN is notorious for labeling a program "US Open Tennis" when it’s actually a three-hour condensed replay of a match from three years ago. Always look for the "Live" bug in the corner of your screen. If you don't see it, you’re watching history, not news.
Also, international viewers often get confused by the "World Feed." If you are using a VPN or watching on a site like TSN in Canada or Sky Sports in the UK, the commentators will be different than the ESPN crew (McEnroe, Fowler, etc.) that US audiences are used to.
Actionable Steps for Today
If you really wanted to watch tennis right now, don't give up.
- Check the Australian Open Schedule: Since it's January 17, the main draw starts in Melbourne in less than 24 hours. Set your DVR for the night sessions, which usually start around 7:00 PM ET or later due to the time difference.
- Download the ESPN App: If you have a cable login, this is the easiest way to see what's actually live versus what's a replay.
- Mark Your Calendar: If you want the real-deal US Open experience, set a reminder for August 3, 2026. That’s typically when the official TV schedule and specific match times for the first round in New York start to leak.
The US Open is a beast of a tournament, but for today, the action is all happening Down Under. Swap the Manhattan clam chowder for a Vegemite toast and enjoy the Aussie summer.