Where to watch Australian Open 2026: Live stream matches free from anywhere
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REUTERS/Hollie Adams
The first tennis Grand Slam of 2026 has arrived, and the best players in the ATP and WTA have descended on Melbourne for a shot at the title. We've compiled everything you need to know about where to watch the Australian Open in 2026, including global streaming options - one of which is free.
All of the usual suspects are partaking in the Australian Open, including 2025 men's champion No. 2 Jannik Sinner and women's champ No. 9 Madison Keys. No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who lost to Sinner in the final last year, is looking to claim the title this year and complete his career Grand Slam, as the Australian Open is the one he's yet to win. No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka nabbed the title back-to-back in 2023 and 2024, but her shock loss to then No. 19 Keys has no doubt left her eager to win Down Under once again. No. 4 Novak Djokovic is also scheduled to compete, as is Venus Williams, who received a wild card entry.
Below, we've gathered some of the best streaming options around the world, so you don't need to miss out on one second of the action. Keep reading to learn how to watch the tournament from anywhere.
Where to watch the Australian Open in the US
ESPN and its various networks and streaming options will carry all things Australian Open in the US. The majority of TV coverage will air on ESPN2 at the beginning, with matches airing on ESPN later in the tournament. Coverage from most courts will be available as ESPN Plus coverage, which is accessible via ESPN Select ($13 a month). However, certain courts (like the Rod Laver, Margaret Court, and John Cain Arenas) will be available through the ESPN Unlimited tier ($30 a month). Select coverage will also be available through the Tennis Channel.
Our top recommendation for watching every match of the Australian Open, even if you have cable, is ESPN Unlimited. Subscriptions cost $30 a month and unlock live streams of ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes, as well as all ESPN Plus content. The service also has a stellar multiview option, so you can watch multiple events at once. If you're a diehard tennis fan, the ESPN app will also help you make sure you can still watch any must-see matches live that might take place at tricky times.
If you're interested in a live TV streaming service with other channels or free trial options, we recommend DirecTV or Fubo, since both of these comprehensive channel packages unlock access to ESPN Unlimited. DirecTV MySports offers around 20 key sports channels for $70 a month (plus a five-day free trial for new customers). Fubo Sports + News carries about 29 popular news and sports networks for $56 a month (plus a five-day free trial and $10 off the first month for new users).
Where to watch the Australian Open in the UK
Australian Open coverage is available through TNT Sports in the UK, which means you'll be able to live stream coverage through Discovery Plus. To access TNT Sports, you'll need the Discovery Plus Premium tier, which costs £31 a month.
Where to watch the Australian Open in Australia
9Now offers free live streams of the Australian Open in Australia. The streaming service just requires account creation to use, and then you're all set to start watching.
Stan Sport will also carry every single Australian Open match, so this can be helpful if you find that any matches are missing from 9Now (especially in the early stages). A subscription will run you $32 a month when you combine the monthly $12 base subscription with the $20 Sport add-on fee.
How to watch the Australian Open from anywhere
If you're not in Australia during any notable matches that are showing for free on 9Now, you can keep up with your free streaming option with the help of a VPN (virtual private network).
VPNs are cybersecurity tools that let people alter their virtual locations, so their go-to websites work from anywhere in the world. They're popular apps among those looking to access their usual services while traveling abroad and to upgrade online privacy and security at home.
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market. It's fast, easy to use, and has tons of global servers. Plus, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it's no sweat if you find that it's not what you're looking for. Our NordVPN review breaks down everything else you might need to know about the service.
Note: VPN use is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content may constitute a breach of the terms of use for some services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.