Australian Open 2024: How to Watch the Tennis Tournament Online Without Cable
The Australian Open is starting on Sunday, Jan. 14. Here’s how to watch tennis tournament online to watch the sports‘ biggest stars, including Naomi Osaka as she makes her anticipated return, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff and more.
How to Watch the Australian Open Online With a VPN
While the Australian Open tennis tournament is being broadcast on ESPN, ESPN and ESPN+, watching it online with a VPN (virtual private network) is a great way to access international free livestreams.
By signing up for a VPN, you can access content that’s typically restricted based on your location. Australia’s Channel 9 will broadcast the tournament on TV and livestream it 9Now. Those who do not live Down Under can use a VPN to access that coverage (and probably hear some charming announcer accents, to boot). Since ExpressVPN is only $12.95/month and can be cancelled at any time, this is one of the most cost-effective, low-stakes ways to watch the U.S. Open online.
How to Watch the Australian Open via U.S. Livestreams
Most of the major tennis matches will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2, while ESPN+ will stream every match on every court live, through the championship matches. (Get more details here.) So if you want to watch the big matches and the championship round, you’ll need to sign up for a live-TV streaming service. In addition to that, if you want to watch smaller matches on every court from Melbourne Park, you’ll need to sign up for ESPN+. Below, were outlining all the ways to watch the Australian Open — some of which offer free trials so you can even watch matches for free.
How to Watch the Australian Open Online Without Cable: Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the most affordable cord-cutting options for streaming the Australian Open online. The service offers three subscriptions with different channel lineups, but we recommend the Sling Orange plan for $40/month, since it includes ESPN and ESPN2. But if you act fast, you can get Sling your first month of Sling for just $20 because the service is offering new users half-off their first month! Aside from signing up for a VPN, this is the cheapest way to watch the U.S. Open, even after subscribing to ESPN+ in addition to your Sling plan for full U.S. Open coverage.
How to Watch the Australian Open Online Without Cable: DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial and a few different subscription options for a variety of prices so you can choose whichever fits your budget. The Choice package is the most popular and offers ESPN and ESPN2, in addition to over 100 other channels for $108.99/month. But right now, DirecTV Stream is offering $25 off each month for your first two months. That means you’ll only have to pay $83.99/month for two months of this live-TV streaming service. More good news? Since the service offers a five-day free trial, you can watch the Australian Open for free for a short time!
How to Watch the Australian Open Online Without Cable: Hulu
If you want to avoid signing up for multiple streamers, the Hulu + Live TV subscription is the best way for cord-cutters to watch the Australian Open. This bundle includes ESPN+ as well as ESPN and ESPN2., however it is the most expensive live-TV option ringing in at $76.99/month.
How to Watch the Australian Open on ESPN+
Portions of the tournament are streaming exclusively on ESPN+. So if you’re a tennis fanatic and don’t choose a Hulu live-TV subscription, you’ll have to sign up for a live-TV services as well as ESPN+. The best way to get ESPN+ is by subscribing to the Disney Trio Basic Bundle, which costs $12.99/month and gets you ESPN+ as well as Disney+ and Hulu.
Who Are the Top Seeds?
Novak Djokovic, the tournament’s defending champion, is the men’s No. 1 seed. Behind Djokovic, rounding out the top five, is Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner and Andrey Rublev. Meanwhile, Iga Świątek is the women’s No. 1, followed by defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula.
How Much Does the Australian Open Champion Earn? Australian Open Prize Money
This year, the tournament has increased its prize money by about $6.8 million, bringing the total winings pool up to about $58.4 million. Both the men’s and women’s champions will each win around $2.1 million.
When Is the Australian Open? Date, Start Time
The Australian Open begins first-round matches on Sunday, Jan. 14 and wraps up on Sunday, Jan. 28.
First round: Aug. 14-16
Second round: Jan. 17-18
Third round: Jan. 19-20
Fourth round: Jan. 21-22
Quarterfinals: Jan. 23-24
Women’s singles semifinals: Jan. 25
Men’s singles semifinals: Jan. 26
Women’s singles final: Jan. 27
Men’s singles final: Jan. 28
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