The US Open enters its first full week of competitive action at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, with mixed doubles taking center stage. Serena Williams returns to the grounds where she built much of her legacy, this time pairing with Carlos Alcaraz in a cross-generational partnership that has drawn considerable attention ahead of the main singles draw. The event, running from August 23 to September 13, remains the second-oldest Grand Slam tournament after Wimbledon, and its hard-court surface continues to distinguish it from the clay and grass venues elsewhere on the calendar.
Also competing today is the top-seeded pairing of Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, alongside qualifying rounds for the men's and women's singles fields that continue through August 27. For international viewers hoping to follow the action, geographic restrictions on streaming rights remain a persistent obstacle, which is why many turn to virtual private networks to reach broadcasts unavailable in their region. Understanding how these tools route and encrypt traffic matters for anyone relying on them regularly, and resources explaining concepts like what is vless protocol can help viewers make informed choices about which service actually fits their needs rather than picking one at random.
How to Watch Without Cable
ESPN holds exclusive broadcast rights for the US Open, mirroring its arrangement with Wimbledon. Cord-cutters have several legitimate paths to access the coverage. DirecTV's base package starts at $59.99 for the first month and includes ESPN Unlimited, while the standalone ESPN Unlimited streaming service costs $29.99 monthly. Fubo offers ESPN through its Sports plan at $55.99 per month, with a quarterly pricing option also available. Sling's Essentials package includes ESPN for $19.99 monthly, or viewers can opt for a single-day pass at $4.99. YouTube TV bundles ESPN into its Sports Plan at $64.99 per month.
The Role of VPNs in Sports Streaming
Virtual private networks work by rerouting a device's internet connection through a server in another location, masking the user's actual whereabouts and allowing access to content licensed only in that specific region. This practice, often called location spoofing, has become common among sports enthusiasts navigating fragmented broadcast rights across countries. A provider with a wide server network, such as ExpressVPN, gives users more flexibility in choosing where their traffic appears to originate. The basic process involves subscribing to a service, installing its application, connecting to a server in the desired country, and then accessing the relevant streaming platform, such as Australia's 9Now for viewers wanting that regional feed.
- VPNs encrypt data in transit, adding a layer of privacy beyond simple geographic unblocking
- Server location determines which regional content libraries become accessible
- Reputable providers avoid retaining logs of user activity, though policies vary by company and jurisdiction
A Field Stacked With Former Champions
This year's draw includes 17 former Grand Slam singles champions, ten of whom have previously won the US Open itself. The men's competition features top-ranked Jannik Sinner, along with Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic. On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and American Jessica Pegula occupy the top three rankings. The United States leads all nations with 28 competitors in the main draw, including Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Ben Shelton, and Taylor Fritz, giving home audiences plenty of storylines to follow across singles and doubles events alike.
Exhibition Events and Rising Talent
Roger Federer, a five-time US Open winner, will step onto the court for an exhibition on August 25 alongside Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe, though the event falls outside official tournament play. Two days later, a group of emerging names including João Fonseca, Alexandra Eala, Learner Tien, and Iva Jovic will feature across four exhibition matches, offering a glimpse at the sport's next generation before the singles competition fully takes hold.
