Serena Williams is off the court: How to watch the Australian Open

The Australian Open continues to draw attention even after high-profile exits, and US viewers still have plenty of ways to catch the remaining matches in 2026. Serena Williams Australian open coverage may have ended early, yet the tournament rolls on with strong storylines across both draws and fresh options for watching from home.

Traditional cable packages remain reliable, but many fans now lean toward live TV streamers and dedicated apps. The following sections lay out current ways to follow the action without missing key moments.

Tennis Channel

Tennis Channel stays a go-to add-on for fans who want wall-to-wall coverage alongside the main ESPN broadcasts. It sits inside most cable sports tiers and pairs cleanly with ESPN for complete court access. Pricing stays consistent month to month, and the channel continues to stream qualifying rounds plus lesser-known matches that rarely reach the flagship network.

ESPN

ESPN holds primary US broadcast rights for the 2026 event. Viewers with traditional providers can watch live on the main channel or through the ESPN app using their login credentials. ESPN Unlimited now offers a standalone tier at roughly $29.99 per month for those who want full tournament streams without a cable package. The service delivers every court feed and supports multiple devices, making it a straightforward choice for dedicated followers.

Sling

Sling Orange remains the plan that carries ESPN, and current pricing starts near $45.99 after any introductory offers. Day passes and short-term options appear during the tournament window, which helps occasional viewers avoid full-month commitments. Sports extras bundles still add Tennis Channel when needed, and the service works across most major streaming devices.

Fubo

Fubo keeps its sports-first reputation with ESPN and Tennis Channel available on the Pro tier. Plans hover around $64.99 and above, with trials that let new subscribers test the lineup before committing. The service lists strong mobile and smart TV support, and its channel mix appeals to fans who follow multiple leagues beyond tennis.

YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV

YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV both carry ESPN and rank high on 2026 recommendation lists for cord-cutters. Each platform offers multi-day trials and broad channel packages that extend well past basic sports tiers. Viewers who already subscribe for other programming can often add the Australian Open without extra services.

Official Australian Open App

The dedicated AO app sits on both iOS and Android with refreshed 2026 tools for live scores, schedules, and match highlights. While it does not replace full live streams, the app gives quick access to results and recaps that complement whatever linear or streaming service a viewer chooses. Many fans keep it open on a second screen during longer sessions.

ESPN Unlimited Subscription

ESPN Unlimited launched as a distinct tier aimed at comprehensive tournament coverage. At about $29.99 monthly, it supplies live streams across every court without requiring a cable login. The option stands apart from standard ESPN+ and targets viewers who want uninterrupted access during the two-week event.

Free Options with 9Now and VPN

9Now streams every match free inside Australia with standard ad breaks. US viewers can reach the service by connecting through a VPN set to an Australian server. ExpressVPN and NordVPN remain popular choices for reliable connections, and the combination lets fans sample local commentary and full-court feeds without additional fees.

VPN

VPN services continue to unlock Australian free streams on 9Now while also supporting privacy on any platform. ExpressVPN and NordVPN lead recommendations for speed and ease during live events. Once connected, the same apps often improve streaming stability on crowded tournament days.

Between cable options, live TV streamers, the official app, and geo-unblocking tools, viewers can build a setup that fits their schedule and budget. Serena Williams Australian open may have finished, yet the rest of the tournament still offers plenty of high-level tennis worth watching.