The Australian Open stands as the opening act of the tennis season’s Grand Slam quartet, drawing top-ranked players and millions of fans from around the world. Held annually in Melbourne, this high-stakes tournament showcases elite competition under the Australian summer sun and consistently delivers world-class performances across two weeks of hard-court action.
Global anticipation for the tournament continues to rise, driving demand for seamless, high-definition access. DirecTV meets this demand with comprehensive coverage that brings every serve, rally, and match point directly to your screen. Whether you're watching from home or streaming on the go, DIRECTV connects subscribers to key broadcasters including ESPN and ESPN2, live match commentary through AO Radio, and mobile access via the ESPN app.
The 2026 Australian Open begins on Sunday, January 14 and concludes with the Men's Singles Final on Sunday, January 28. Across 15 full days of Grand Slam action, tennis fans can expect wall-to-wall coverage directly through DIRECTV’s network of sports offerings.
Live coverage from Melbourne Park starts each day at approximately 7:00 PM ET (8:00 AM AEDT), aligning with the start of daytime session matches in Australia. Night sessions usually kick off around 3:00 AM ET (7:00 PM AEDT).
This schedule enables U.S. viewers to catch late-night and early-morning broadcasts. The most intense matches and marquee showdowns often occur during the evening sessions, making overnight viewings essential for fans who want to follow every point live.
The tournament intensifies during the second week — here's when to watch the rounds that define the championship.
All times reflect U.S. Eastern Time to match DIRECTV’s national broadcast alignment.
The Australian Open broadcasts across several DIRECTV channels known for comprehensive sports coverage. The flagship networks carrying the majority of the tournament are:
For listeners tuning in on the go, AO Radio delivers uninterrupted live audio commentary of all center court action. DIRECTV subscribers can access this feed through ESPN digital integrations or external streaming platforms that partner with Australian Open’s official audio broadcast team.
DIRECTV customers can follow every set, rally, and match point of the Australian Open through comprehensive coverage from ESPN and ESPN2, the two primary networks carrying the tournament. These channels divide broadcast responsibilities to ensure depth and variety in their programming.
Early in the tournament, ESPN2 handles a larger share of live coverage. This includes first- and second-round matches spread across up to 15 courts. The format allows ESPN to focus on key moments while ESPN2 covers extended sessions, player interviews, and match-analysis segments.
ESPN delivers the high-stakes, high-drama matchups. It carries:
Technical commentary and polished production values define ESPN's approach, targeting both long-time tennis fans and casual viewers.
ESPN2 offers unmatched breadth during the opening week. It broadcasts:
With ESPN2’s broader approach, fans can follow emerging players before they step into ESPN’s spotlight.
Both ESPN and ESPN2 feature all three core formats of the tournament: singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. ESPN reserves slots for doubles finals and marquee mixed pairings, while ESPN2 follows these events throughout their early and middle rounds. This coordinated coverage guarantees that every facet of the sport receives national visibility on DIRECTV.
Locating the exact channels for the Australian Open on DIRECTV takes seconds—when you know where to look. DIRECTV provides multiple viewing options through its national sports network partners, placing each on a dedicated HD channel for seamless access.
DIRECTV may activate a special interactive feature channel during Grand Slam events: the Australian Open Mix Channel. While not always guaranteed, if available, it typically appears around Channel 701. This sports mix format allows viewers to watch up to six live feeds at once, all on one screen, including:
Use your remote to switch audio between matches or expand one feed to full screen with a single button press. Not sure if the Mix Channel is live this year? Just check Channel 701 once tournament play begins and see what's offered.
DIRECTV STREAM functions as the internet-based counterpart to the traditional satellite TV service. It delivers the full DIRECTV sports experience without requiring a satellite dish, offering seamless access to ESPN, ESPN2, and other essential channels broadcasting the Australian Open.
Subscribers can stream live matches and replays across compatible devices—no additional hardware, no technician visits. Whether sitting at home or commuting, DIRECTV STREAM ensures uninterrupted access to every serve, rally, and championship point.
DIRECTV STREAM brings the Australian Open beyond living rooms—into bags, pockets, and briefcases. Missed a fifteenth ace in a tiebreak? Rewind it. Want to analyze a set again? Stream it on demand. Every match stays a tap away.
ESPN holds the exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for the Australian Open, and DIRECTV subscribers can access every match streamed live through the ESPN app. This option adds flexibility for those preferring to watch on the go or from devices other than a traditional set-top box.
The app is free to download and compatible with a wide variety of platforms. Choose your device from the options below, then search for "ESPN" in the respective app store:
Once the app is installed, open it and follow these steps:
After login, navigate to the Watch tab. Under the Live or Replay sections, locate Australian Open coverage. ESPN often segments matches by court and round, so filtering options help you find specific players or matchups.
All matches aired on ESPN and ESPN2 are simulcast through the app, and full match replays are usually available within hours of conclusion. Custom feeds such as player cams and featured court views are also included during the later stages of the tournament.
You’re not limited to one device. ESPN app access with your DIRECTV credentials works seamlessly across mobile, tablet, and connected TV platforms. Start watching on your commute from your phone, then switch to your Roku or Fire TV when you’re home — no need to log in again.
The Australian Open takes place in Melbourne, which operates on Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT – UTC+11). For viewers in the United States, this means a considerable time difference when catching live matches on DIRECTV. Without proper conversion, it’s easy to miss a prime-time showdown or an early-round thriller unfolding in the early hours.
Use the table below to understand how AEDT match times translate across U.S. regions. Matches in Melbourne often start around 11:00 AM AEDT, with night sessions beginning at 7:00 PM AEDT.
Here’s how Day 1 of the tournament might look for fans adjusting their schedules:
A reliable way to stay synced with live coverage is via real-time tools. Use Google by typing "7 PM AEDT to EST" for instant conversion, or access dedicated tools like TimeAndDate.com’s time zone converter. These tools factor in daylight saving changes and provide precise results for any day in the tournament calendar.
Match times can vary day to day, especially for marquee matchups scheduled in evening sessions. Keep a conversion tool bookmarked to make sure the broadcast doesn’t start without you.
Access to ESPN and ESPN2 comes standard in several DIRECTV packages, ensuring coverage of every Australian Open match. Each tier offers a different range of content, add-ons, and sports extras tailored to viewer preferences.
Alongside ESPN and ESPN2, each DIRECTV plan offers a variety of sports benefits that go beyond the Australian Open:
Each step up in package level expands your access to comprehensive sports broadcasting. For tennis fans who also keep tabs on football, basketball, or baseball, these packages align with year-round viewing needs.
DIRECTV broadcasts select matches from the Australian Open in 4K Ultra HD, bringing sharper details, richer colors, and an immersive viewing experience. Not all matches receive the 4K treatment, but marquee matchups, later rounds, and finals typically qualify. DIRECTV airs these events on a dedicated 4K channel, often Channel 105, depending on programming updates.
Tuning into the Australian Open in 4K requires specific hardware and service components. Without these, 4K programming will not be accessible, even if your subscription includes the channel. Here's what needs to be in place:
Use HDMI 2.0 or higher cables for optimal signal transfer between the DVR and your television. If using a DIRECTV Genie Mini (C61K model required), it must also be 4K-compatible and linked to the compatible main DVR.
Already got all the components? Head to Channel 105 during the tournament and look for the “Australian Open in 4K” label. Catching the sharper shadows on the court, razor-edge net shots, and high-speed serves in 4K will transform the way you watch tennis.
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