US Open 2026 semi-finals preview
The US Open 2026 will have a first-time winner in the men's singles this year, with Ben Shelton facing American compatriot Frances Tiafoe in a blockbuster second semi-final. The other match features tournament favourite Alexander Zverev taking on Karen Khachanov.
Shelton edged out defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set classic that did not finish until 3.33am, the latest of any match in US Open history. It was Shelton's first victory in 17 matches over a top-three player, and he is now one win away from the final. Tiafoe's stunning quarter-final comeback from two sets down against Alex Michelsen, another American, was no less impressive and means US representation in the Flushing Meadows showpiece is guaranteed for only the second time since 2006.
Top seed Zverev is the man to beat from here, however, after ending his grand slam drought at the French Open earlier this year, then reaching the Wimbledon final. The German breezed past Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets last time out, although his upcoming opponent Khachanov has disposed of three seeds already, including third-ranked Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round.
Zverev revealed that he stayed up for the thrilling finish between Shelton and Alcaraz, no doubt with an eye on who he might face in the final. Yet there is still work for both Zverev and Shelton to do. This US Open has shown that nothing can be taken for granted.
Follow our guide below for where to watch US Open 2026 live streams.
Watch US Open 2026 Semi-finals |
Friday 11 September |
US coverage |
ESPN via ESPN Select, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Fubo |
UK Coverage |
|
FREE streams |
9Now (AUS) |
WATCH ANYWHERE |
What is the US Open 2026 men's semi-final schedule?
Alexander Zverev vs Karen Khachanov
From 3pm ET / 8pm BST / 5am AEST (Sep 12)
Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe
Not before 7pm ET / 12am BST (Sep 12) / 9am AEST (Sep 12)
How can I watch US Open 2026 for free?
Tennis fans in Australia are in luck, as 9Now is showing US Open 2026 live streams for free.
9Gem is showing extensive daily coverage of the tournament for free Down Under, with its live coverage also available via the free streaming platform 9Now.
If you're from Australia but are currently abroad and want to watch a US Open 2026 live stream, you can simply use a VPN. More details below...
Watch US Open 2026 live streams from anywhere
You won't be able to watch your regular US Open 2026 live streams while traveling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you.
You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though. It's a straightforward piece of software that sets your device to appear as if it's in a different country, allowing you to watch any US Open 2026 live stream from anywhere in the world.
We rate Proton VPN as one of the best VPN for streaming sport. It offers a generous 30-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.
Watch US Open 2026 live streams in the US
ESPN is providing full coverage of the US Open 2026 semi-finals in the US, via ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and the ESPN App.
Cord cutters will need the ESPN Unlimited plan to watch online, with prices starting from $31.99 per month. Alternatively, you can bundle it with Disney Plus and Hulu for $35.99 per month.
ESPN is also available through a cord-cutting service, such as YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV (all featuring a free trial for new users) or Sling TV.
To access your usual streaming service from outside the US, you'll need to download a good VPN, as detailed above.
- Expert TV advice: best OLED TVs for sports fans
Watch US Open 2026 live streams in the UK
Sky Sports is showing the 2026 US Open semi-finals in the UK.
Sky TV plans that include the Sports channels usually start from around £35 a month and you can tailor your package to include other premium channels.
Now Sports Memberships will also show the tennis, with plans starting from £14.99 a day. There's a £27.99 a month plan for better value.
Outside the UK during the US Open? Get Proton VPN to access your usual stream through Sky Go or the Now app.
Watch US Open 2026 live streams in Australia
Although not every US Open 2026 game will be broadcast for free in Australia, tennis fans can watch select matches on 9Gem at no cost.
That means you can also stream all the action via the network's 9Now streaming service and app.
Comprehensive US Open coverage comes courtesy of Stan Sport, with subscriptions costing from $29.99 a month. They also carry Champions League and Premier League football.
Again, you'll need to use a safe, reliable VPN to access 9Now and Stan when traveling abroad.
US Open 2026 men's schedule
Men's
Semi-finals — Fri, September 11
Final — Sun, September 13
Who are the recent US Open men's winners?
Men's champions
2025 — Carlos Alcaraz
2024 — Jannik Sinner
2023 — Novak Djokovic
2022 — Carlos Alcaraz
2021 — Daniil Medvedev
2020 — Dominic Thiem
2019 — Rafael Nadal
2018 — Novak Djokovic
2017 — Rafael Nadal
2016 — Stan Wawrinka
- Fancy an upgrade? Here are the best TVs
- Or save money with these unmissable cheap TV deals
- Where to watch Vuelta a España 2026 for free
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
