The mixed doubles competition at the US Open gets underway this week, and one pairing has already drawn outsized attention: Serena Williams alongside Carlos Alcaraz. The event also features top-seeded duo Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, while qualifying rounds for the men's and women's singles competitions continue at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York.
A Long History, A Modern Broadcast Puzzle
First contested in 1881, the US Open trails only Wimbledon as the oldest event on the Grand Slam calendar. Like the Australian Open, it's played on hard courts, giving it a distinct rhythm compared to the grass and clay events earlier in the year. The 2026 edition runs from Sunday, August 23, through Sunday, September 13, with qualifying events for singles taking place August 24 through 27, mixed doubles running August 24 to 26, and doubles, junior, and wheelchair events following in the weeks after. For viewers hoping to watch without a traditional cable subscription, the process now involves streaming platforms and, in some cases, virtual private networks - those searching for options can compare current vpn deals to find a service suited to their needs and budget. vpn deals
Watching Without Cable
ESPN holds exclusive broadcast rights to the US Open, mirroring its arrangement with Wimbledon. That means viewers need access to a service carrying ESPN, whether through a traditional live-TV package or a standalone streaming option. Several services offer this access, each with different pricing and bundling structures:
- DirecTV: base package starts at $59.99 for the first month, including ESPN Unlimited
- ESPN Unlimited: standalone streaming starting at $29.99 per month
- Fubo: ESPN included in the Sports plan for $55.99 per month, with a quarterly option available
- Sling: Essentials plan includes ESPN for $19.99 per month, or a $4.99 Day Pass for single-day access
- YouTube TV: Sports Plan includes ESPN for $64.99 per month
These options reflect a broader shift in how live events reach audiences. As cable subscriptions decline, rights holders increasingly rely on layered streaming tiers, and viewers are left comparing monthly costs against how much of the event they actually plan to watch.
The Role of Location and Access Tools
Virtual private networks have become a common tool for viewers trying to reach content that's restricted by region. A VPN encrypts a user's internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location, which can make it appear as though the connection originates somewhere else entirely. This is why some viewers use a VPN connected to a server in a different country to access alternative broadcast platforms not normally available where they live. It's worth understanding that this practice sits in a legal gray area depending on the terms of service of the platform being accessed, even though using a VPN itself is legal in most countries. Beyond streaming access, VPNs serve a genuine security function: they shield data on public networks, reduce exposure to tracking, and add a layer of privacy that's increasingly relevant as more entertainment and personal browsing move online simultaneously.
A Field Stacked With Champions
This year's draw includes seventeen former Grand Slam singles champions, ten of them past US Open winners. The men's side features Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Djokovic among the top-ranked competitors, while Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and American Jessica Pegula anchor the women's field. The mixed doubles lineup adds further intrigue, pairing Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud, Pegula with Jack Draper, and Taylor Townsend with Zverev, alongside Venus Williams and Alexander Bublik. The United States leads all nations with 28 competitors in the main draw, including Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Ben Shelton, and Taylor Fritz - a reminder that beyond the marquee pairings, depth across the field will shape much of the event's outcome over the coming weeks.
