The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the tennis calendar and one of the most watched sporting events worldwide.
What Is the Australian Open?
The Australian Open is held annually in January at Melbourne Park. It features the world’s top tennis players competing across multiple courts, including the iconic Rod Laver Arena.
Because the tournament is played in Australia, viewing times can be late night or early morning for fans in the U.S. and Europe.
How to Watch the Australian Open in the United States
American viewers have several convenient ways to watch the Australian Open live and on demand.
TV Channels
- ESPN
- ESPN2
These channels typically carry marquee matches, semifinals, and finals.
Live Streaming
- ESPN+ – The main streaming destination for the Australian Open, offering access to most live matches across multiple courts, plus replays.
Cord-Cutting Options
If you don’t have cable, you can watch ESPN and ESPN2 through live TV streaming services such as:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Sling TV
- DirecTV Stream
How to Watch the Australian Open in Australia
Fans in Australia enjoy the most comprehensive coverage.
Free-to-Air TV & Streaming
- Channel 9
- 9Now (free live streaming)
Premium Streaming
- Stan Sport – Offers full tournament coverage, including every court, live and on demand.
How to Watch the Australian Open in the UK & Ireland
Viewers in the UK and Ireland can follow the tournament via subscription services.
- TNT Sports – Main TV broadcaster
- Discovery+ – Live streaming and replays
Coverage includes early-round action through the finals.
How to Watch the Australian Open in Europe & Other Regions
Coverage varies by country, but most European viewers can watch through:
- Eurosport
- discovery+
- Max (select markets)
For other regions, local broadcasters often hold exclusive rights. Checking the official broadcaster list for your country is recommended.
Watching on Mobile, Smart TV, and Apps
Most official broadcasters support:
- Smartphones and tablets (iOS & Android)
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Android TV)
- Streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV)
Many platforms also provide on-demand replays, highlights, and multi-court viewing.
Australian Open Match Times & Time Zones
Due to the time difference:
- U.S. viewers: Matches typically air late night or early morning
- UK & Europe: Evening into overnight hours
This makes streaming services especially useful for watching matches on demand.
Quick Summary: How to Watch the Australian Open
| Region | TV Channels | Streaming Options |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ESPN, ESPN2 | ESPN+ |
| Australia | Channel 9 | 9Now, Stan Sport |
| UK & Ireland | TNT Sports | Discovery+ |
| Europe | Eurosport | discovery+, Max |
| Worldwide | Local broadcasters | Official streaming partners |
Final Thoughts
No matter where you live, there are plenty of ways to watch the Australian Open live or on replay. Streaming platforms offer the most flexibility, especially with the tournament’s overnight match schedule in many regions.