US Open Tennis 2026 Order of Play Today: Prize money, Friday semi-final schedule, how to watch, favourites - when is Alexander Zverev playing?
It’s men’s semi-finals day in New York.
First contested in 1881, the US Open Tennis Championships is held at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York.
Played on hardcourts, the tournament consists of the headlining men’s and women’s singles competitions, alongside men's and women's doubles, mixed doubles events.
For the second year in a row a separate mixed doubles event took place the week before the singles, with Karolína Muchová and Jakub Menšík defeating Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli in the final.
The remainder of the competitions, including men’s and women’s doubles, seniors, juniors, and wheelchair players, all take place from this week.
Last year saw Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka take the singles crowns.
Both returned to defend their titles but Alcaraz, returning from a long-term injury, crashed out in the quarter-finals in five sets to American Ben Shelton. Sabalenka has had more luck though, booking herself a place in the final where she will face second seed Elena Rybakina.
Meanwhile Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament due to a knee injury, leaving number one seed Alexander Zverev the hot favourite - and he’s in action today in the semi-finals.
Here’s what you need to know about today’s play.
When is the US Open tennis in 2026?
This year’s tournament takes place from August 30-September 13. It’s the 146th time the event has been held.
What’s the prize money at the 2026 US Open?
This year there’s an incredible $108 million up for grabs - the biggest prize money package in tennis history and over 20 per cent more than last year.
In the men’s and women’s singles tournaments, that means the following prize money:
- Winner: $5,500,000
- Finalist: $2,800,000
- Semi-finalist: $1,450,000
- Quarter-finalist: $780,000
- Round of 16: $480,000
- Round of 32: $290,000
- Round of 64: $190,000
- Round of 128: $140,000
Meanwhile, in the men’s and women’s doubles tournaments, the prize money is:
- Winner: $1,000,000
- Finalist: $500,000
- Semi-finalist: $250,000
- Quarter-finalist: $125,000
- Round of 16: $80,000
- Round of 32: $50,000
- Round of 64: $35,000
What is the order of play in the US Open 2026 today?
Here’s what’s happening today, Friday, September 11, in UK time.
Arthur Ashe Stadium
5pm
Katerina Siniakova / Taylor Townsend vs Ashlyn Krueger / Robin Montgomery (Women’s doubles final)
8pm
Alexander Zverev v Karen Khachanov (men’s singles semi-final)
11pm
Frances Tiafoe v Ben Shelton (men’s singles semi-final)
Court 11
8.30pm
Tokito Oda vs Martan de la Puente (men’s wheelchair singles semi-final)
11:30pm
Alfie Hewett / Gordon Reid vs Martan de la Puente / Ruben Spaargaren (men’s wheelchair doubles final)
How can I watch the US Open tennis on television in the UK?
In the UK the US Open is available to watch on Sky Sports Tennis, with any match available via Sky Sports+.
You don't have to be a subscriber to watch – you can buy a daily pass on the NOW TV platform for £14.99, or a monthly pass for £34.99.
Who are the favourites to win the US Open tennis 2026?
Number one seed Alexander Zverev is the 10/11 favourite, followed by Ben Shelton (6/4), Frances Tiafoe (10/1) and Karen Khachanov (12/1).
In the women’s tournament defending champion Aryna Salalenka is the player to beat, priced at 4/6, followed by Elena Rybakina (6/5).
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