What Channel Is Australian Open Tennis On

The Australian Open tennis tournament is primarily broadcast on ESPN in the United States, making it the go-to channel for fans asking, what channel is Australian Open tennis on in America. For viewers in Australia, the event airs nationally on Channel 9 and streams via 9Now, while international audiences can access coverage through local broadcasters or online platforms like Stan Sport and ITF.TV. With time zone differences affecting live viewing, many fans also rely on delayed broadcasts and on-demand replays. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly where to watch the Australian Open across various regions, explores streaming alternatives, and provides practical tips for never missing a match—whether you're tuning in from North America, Europe, or the Asia-Pacific region.

Quick Summary: Where to Watch the Australian Open by Region

The Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments held annually in Melbourne, is televised globally through official broadcasting partners. The answer to what channel is Australian Open tennis on depends heavily on your geographic location and subscription services. Below is a regional breakdown of primary networks and digital platforms that carry live coverage.

Region	Primary TV Channel(s)	Streaming Platform(s)
United States	ESPN, ESPN2	ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (Sports Extra)
Australia	Channel 9, 9Gem	9Now, Stan Sport
United Kingdom	Amazon Prime Video	Amazon Prime Video (Subscription Required)
Canada	TSN, RDS (French)	TSN Direct, TSN.ca
New Zealand	Spark Sport	Spark Sport App
India	Sony Sports Network	SonyLIV
Germany	DAZN, ARD, ZDF	DAZN.de

Australian Open Broadcast Rights Overview

The global distribution of Australian Open broadcasts is managed by Tennis Australia in partnership with international media companies. These rights are typically secured through multi-year contracts, ensuring consistent availability across major markets. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift toward streaming-first models, especially in countries like the UK and Canada, where traditional cable providers have ceded ground to subscription-based digital platforms.

For example, since 2020, Amazon Prime Video has held exclusive rights to stream all Australian Open matches in the UK, marking a significant move away from free-to-air television. Similarly, in the U.S., ESPN remains the dominant broadcaster but requires either a cable login or a standalone ESPN+ subscription for full access to early-round matches and outer-court play.

How to Stream the Australian Open Online

With increasing demand for flexible viewing options, streaming services now offer comprehensive coverage of the Australian Open. Here’s how to watch live tennis online based on your region:

In the United States: ESPN+ and Cable Alternatives

If you're searching for what channel is Australian Open tennis on today in the U.S., the answer is almost always ESPN or ESPN2. However, not all matches air on linear TV. Many preliminary rounds and simultaneous matches are streamed exclusively on ESPN+, which costs around $11.99 per month.

ESPN+: Full access to all courts, live scores, and replays.
Hulu + Live TV: Includes ESPN channels and allows cloud DVR recording.
Sling TV (Orange Plan + Sports Extra): Offers ESPN networks at a lower cost than traditional cable.
fuboTV: Another live TV streaming service carrying ESPN and offering tennis-specific packages.

Note: A U.S. IP address is required for these platforms. International viewers may need a trusted VPN service to access geo-restricted content legally.

In Australia: Free-to-Air and Subscription Streaming

Locals in Australia benefit from both free and premium viewing options. The Nine Network broadcasts select matches on Channel 9 and 9Gem, particularly during prime time and finals. However, for complete coverage—including every court and session—subscribers must use Stan Sport, which offers high-definition streaming and multi-match viewing.

9Now: Free streaming platform with limited live windows and on-demand replays.
Stan Sport: Requires a Stan subscription ($10–$15/month), includes UFC, rugby, and other sports.
Chromecast/AirPlay Support: Both platforms allow casting to TVs for larger-screen viewing.

In the United Kingdom and Europe: Shift to Digital Platforms

Gone are the days when British tennis fans could watch the Australian Open on BBC or ITV. Since 2020, Amazon Prime Video has held exclusive rights in the UK, requiring a £8.99/month subscription. Viewers can stream every match live, with expert commentary and multiple camera angles.

In Germany and Austria, DAZN provides similar all-access coverage, while public broadcasters ARD and ZDF occasionally show highlights or key matches. French-speaking audiences rely on beIN Sports and RDS in Canada for francophone commentary.

International Viewing Challenges and Time Zone Differences

One of the biggest hurdles for fans asking what channel is Australian Open tennis on my TV is the time difference. Matches in Melbourne begin as early as 11:00 AM local time, which translates to:

Midnight–2:00 AM EST (U.S. East Coast)
9:00 PM–11:00 PM PST (Previous day, West Coast)
4:00–6:00 AM UTC (UK/Europe)
2:00–4:00 PM JST (Japan)

This means that peak afternoon sessions in Melbourne occur during late-night or early-morning hours elsewhere. As a result, broadcasters often schedule highlight reels or condensed versions of matches during primetime slots. Fans who miss live action can usually find full replays within hours on their respective streaming platforms.

Using a VPN to Access Geo-Blocked Content

Some viewers attempt to bypass regional restrictions using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). While technically possible, this approach comes with caveats:

Platforms like ESPN+ and Amazon Prime may block known VPN IP addresses.
Violating terms of service could lead to account suspension.
Latency issues may affect streaming quality.

Legally, using a VPN to access content available in another region isn’t illegal in most countries, but it does depend on the platform’s policies. For reliable access, it's better to subscribe to a globally available service like ITF.TV or purchase an international pass if offered.

Alternative Ways to Follow the Tournament

If you can't find a local broadcaster or don't want to commit to a subscription, several alternative methods keep you updated:

Official Australian Open App: Available on iOS and Android, provides live scores, point-by-point updates, and short video clips.
Tennis Australia Website: Offers real-time leaderboards, draw sheets, and news updates.
Social Media: Follow @AustralianOpen on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook for instant highlights and player interviews.
YouTube Highlights: The official AO channel uploads daily recaps, top 10 shots, and post-match press conferences.
Radio Coverage: ABC Radio Grandstand covers all sessions live in Australia with expert analysis.

Planning Your Viewing Schedule

To ensure you never miss a crucial match, consider these planning strategies:

Check the Daily Schedule: Released each evening, the next day’s play list includes start times, courts, and featured matches.
Set Reminders: Use calendar alerts or app notifications for your favorite players.
Record Matches: If using a DVR or cloud service like YouTube TV, set recordings in advance.
Join Fan Communities: Reddit’s r/tennis and dedicated Facebook groups often share unofficial streams or live threads.
Download Match Replays: ESPN+ and Stan Sport allow offline downloads for mobile viewing.

When Are the Finals Broadcast?

The Australian Open final weekend typically features men’s and women’s singles finals on Sunday and Saturday respectively. These matches are aired live during daytime hours in Australia, making them more accessible internationally:

Men’s Final (Sunday): Starts at 3:30 PM AEDT (~5:30 AM CET / 11:30 PM EST Saturday).
Women’s Final (Saturday): Begins at 7:30 PM AEDT (~9:30 AM GMT / 4:30 AM EST).

Major networks often provide extended pre-match coverage, expert panels, and post-tournament analysis, enhancing the viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Australian Open on ESPN?

Yes, in the United States, the Australian Open is broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2, with additional streaming available on ESPN+.

Can I watch the Australian Open for free?

Limited free coverage is available via 9Now in Australia and occasional highlights on YouTube. Most full-match streaming requires a paid subscription.

What time does the Australian Open start in my country?

Matches begin at 11:00 AM Melbourne time. Use a world clock converter to determine local start times based on your time zone.

Does Amazon Prime have the Australian Open?

Yes, Amazon Prime Video holds exclusive rights to the Australian Open in the United Kingdom and certain European territories.

How can I watch every match of the Australian Open?

Subscribe to a comprehensive streaming service like Stan Sport (Australia), ESPN+ (USA), or DAZN (Germany). These platforms offer live feeds from all 15 courts throughout the tournament.