How to Catch Every US Open 2026 Match Without Paying a Dime

The 2026 US Open has kicked off with a high‑profile opening round, and fans worldwide are scrambling to find ways to watch the action for free. While the tournament traditionally streams on paid platforms in many regions, a combination of regional broadcasters and a virtual private network (VPN) service offers a cost‑free viewing route for a global audience.

Australian streaming service 9Now is broadcasting the tournament live at no charge, making it the most accessible option for viewers down under. For those outside Australia, the same feed can be reached by routing internet traffic through an Australian server using a VPN. NordVPN, a popular provider, currently promotes a discount of up to 75 percent on its subscriptions, which can be used to unlock the 9Now stream from anywhere in the world.

Matches start each day at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, which translates to 4 p.m. in the United Kingdom and 1 a.m. the following day in Australia’s eastern states. This staggered schedule means that viewers in different time zones will need to plan around early‑morning or late‑night slots to catch live play, especially if they are following the tournament from the United States or Europe.

The opening day’s draw has already generated buzz, featuring a clash between Italy’s Matteo Berrettini and Switzerland’s seasoned veteran Stan Wawrinka, as well as a contest pitting Rafael Jodar against Australia's own Thanasi Kokkinakis. These match‑ups showcase a blend of seasoned Grand Slam experience and rising talent, setting the tone for a tournament that promises both surprise upsets and high‑quality tennis.

Industry analysts note that the free‑streaming workaround underscores a growing demand for affordable sports access, especially as subscription fatigue sets in among consumers. While broadcasters retain rights that limit official free distribution, VPNs effectively bypass geographic restrictions, raising questions about the future of regional exclusivity. For now, fans eager to follow the US Open without a subscription can test the 9Now feed via a VPN, keeping an eye on any potential service interruptions that might arise from rights enforcement.

Looking ahead, the tournament’s organizers have not announced any changes to the official broadcast lineup, but the continued popularity of VPN‑aided streaming could influence negotiations for broader, low‑cost access in future editions. As the US Open progresses beyond the opening round, the combination of free regional streams and VPN technology is likely to remain a go‑to solution for cost‑conscious tennis enthusiasts worldwide.