The US Open 2026 runs from Sunday, August 30, through Sunday, September 13, on the hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows, according to tournament scheduling reports. As the final Grand Chelem of the season, this 146th edition arrives with substantial shifts at the top of the draws, driven by injury absences and long-awaited returns in professional tennis.
Tournament Dates and Schedule at Flushing Meadows
Qualifying rounds and the Fan Week festivities began early, running preliminary matches from August 24 through August 27 after opening on August 23. The official main draw action officially starts on Sunday, August 30. According to event schedules, the first round spans three days through Tuesday, September 1, while the second round plays out on September 2 and 3.
The tournament timeline progresses through the third round on September 4 and 5, followed by the round of 16 on September 6 and 7. Quarterfinal fixtures occupy September 8 and 9. Women’s singles semifinal matches are slated for Thursday, September 10, with the men’s semifinals following on Friday, September 11. Championship weekend culminates with the women’s singles final on Saturday, September 12, and the men’s singles final on Sunday, September 13.
For international fans tracking local times, a six-hour time difference separates New York from metropolitan France. Standard day sessions opening at 11:00 AM local time in New York start at 5:00 PM in France, while night sessions scheduled for 7:00 PM begin at 1:00 AM the following morning.
Record Prize Money Pool for 2026
The United States Tennis Association announced a total prize purse of $108 million for the 2026 tournament, marking a 20 percent increase from the $90 million distributed the previous year. Champions in both the men’s and women’s singles divisions will each collect 5,5 millions de dollars, representing the largest single payout ever awarded at an official tennis tournament.
Payout structures remain identical across men’s and women’s competitions. Finalists earn 2,8 millions de dollars, semifinalists take home 1,45 million, and quarterfinalists secure 780 000. Reaching the round of 16 guarantees 480 000, while a third-round exit yields 290 000 and a second-round appearance pays 190 000. Players exiting in the first round of the main draw receive 140 000. Furthermore, approximately two percent of the total prize pool is allocated to a support fund covering fundamental player expenses such as healthcare, retirement provisions, and maternity leave.
Men’s and Women’s Contenders and Notable Absences
The men’s draw features high-profile adjustments following the withdrawal of Jannik Sinner due to a right knee injury. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz enters as a primary focal point, though the Spanish star returns to Grand Slam competition directly following a four-month layoff due to a right wrist injury that forced his abandonment at Barcelona in mid-April. Additional contenders in the men’s field include Alexander Zverev, Montreal Masters winner Ben Shelton, and Cincinnati champion Arthur, alongside seasoned competitors such as Daniil Medvedev, Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, and Gael Monfils.
In the women’s division, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka seeks a third title, a feat not accomplished at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams won three from 2012 to 2014. The competitive field also includes Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica, Madison Keys, Karolina Muchova, Elina Svitolina, and Mirra Andreeva.
Television Broadcast and Coverage Details
In France, comprehensive broadcast coverage of the entire tournament is managed by Eurosport, holding exclusive television rights. Primary matches air across Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2, accompanied by digital streaming options. Subscribers can access tournament content through platforms incorporating Eurosport channels, such as Max and specific Canal+ subscription packages.
Editorial teams featuring commentators and analysts provide daily on-site coverage, with dedicated daily studio programs and digital roundups hosted throughout the two-week tournament.
Next Steps and Following the Action
As the opening rounds get underway at Flushing Meadows, fans can follow live scores, order of play updates, and official match statistics directly through the official US Open digital platforms and broadcast partners.
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