US Open Tennis 2016 TV Schedule and Live-Stream Listings for Entire Tournament
Novak Djokovic enters the 2016 U.S. Open as the defending champion. He's in search of a big performance following his disappointing outing at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The Serb's aura of invincibility took a hit following his loss at Wimbledon against Sam Querrey and again in Rio, and Djokovic's form entering the U.S. Open is a question mark. Top rival Andy Murray is in the form of his life, and while Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych may be absent, there are several other title contenders in the men's tournament.
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In the women's draw, Serena Williams, Angelique Kerber, Garbine Muguruza and Agnieszka Radwanska could all become world No. 1 with a win at Flushing Meadows―if other results go their way―and the first three are the clear favourites to take the title.
ESPN will have full coverage of the U.S. Open across its network, with live-stream options available via ESPN3 and WatchESPN. Here's a look at the U.S. Open schedule, via the official website:
| 1 | Monday | 29-Aug | 11 a.m. | Men's & Women's 1st Round |
| 2 | 7 p.m. | Men's & Women's 1st Round | ||
| 3 | Tuesday | 30-Aug | 11 a.m. | Men's & Women's 1st Round |
| 4 | 7 p.m. | Men's & Women's 1st Round | ||
| 5 | Wednesday | 31-Aug | 11 a.m. | Men's 1st Round/Women's 2nd Round |
| 6 | 7 p.m. | Men's 2nd Round/Women's 2nd Round | ||
| 7 | Thursday | 1-Sep | 11 a.m. | Men's 2nd Round/Women's 2nd Round |
| 8 | 7 p.m. | Men's 2nd Round/Women's 2nd Round | ||
| 9 | Friday | 2-Sep | 11 a.m. | Men's 2nd Round/Women's 3rd Round |
| 10 | 7 p.m. | Men's 2nd Round/Women's 3rd Round | ||
| 11 | Saturday | 3-Sep | 11 a.m. | Men's 3rd Round/Women's 3rd Round |
| 12 | 7 p.m. | Men's 3rd Round/Women's 3rd Round | ||
| 13 | Sunday | 4-Sep | 11 a.m. | Men's 3rd Round/Women's 4th Round |
| 14 | 7 p.m. | Men's 3rd Round/Women's 4th Round | ||
| 15 | Monday | 5-Sep | 11 a.m. | Men's 4th Round/Women's 4th Round |
| 16 | 7 p.m. | Men's 4th Round/Women's 4th Round | ||
| 17 | Tuesday | 6-Sep | 11 a.m. | Men's 4th Round/Women's Quarterfinals |
| 18 | 7 p.m. | Men's Fourth Round/Women's Quarterfinals | ||
| 19 | Wednesday | 7-Sep | 11 a.m. | Men's Quarterfinals/Women's Quarterfinals |
| 20 | 7 p.m. | Men's Quarterfinals/Women's Quarterfinals | ||
| 21 | Thursday | 8-Sep | TBD | Women's Semifinals |
| 22 | Friday | 9-Sep | TBD | Men's Semifinals |
| 23 | Saturday | 10-Sep | TBD | Women's Singles Final |
| 24 | Sunday | 11-Sep | TBD | Men's Singles Final |
It's odd to doubt Djokovic entering the 2016 U.S. Open given his sensational Grand Slam form over the last two years―the world No. 1 has won five of the last seven, a sensational number.
His first-round opponent will be Jerzy Janowicz, Poland's top-ranked player. The 25-year-old has never made it past the second round in Flushing Meadows, New York, and he's not expected to trouble Djokovic all that much.
But as tennis writer Carole Bouchard shared, even the man himself isn't certain he's physically at the level he wants to be:
Between Murray, Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro, the road to the title will not be an easy one. The latter in particular is a dangerous customer―Del Potro is unseeded due to his low ranking, but he's finally back to health and in the form of his life, as he showed at the Olympics.
Nadal should be relatively well-rested entering the tournament, which is always a bonus given his tendency to pick up knocks when he's forced to go too deep. Consistency has been a major issue for the Spaniard the last few years, but at his best, he's a formidable foe who is capable of beating anyone.
Stan Wawrinka is a two-time Grand Slam winner who also struggles with consistency, but his hot streaks run hotter than most; however, Murray is the obvious biggest obstacle for the Djoker. The Scot is playing some of the best tennis of his life, especially in the return game, and the mental errors that plagued him earlier in his career seem to have vanished.
Murray's first-round match against Lukas Rosol will be must-watch television, per Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated:
The women's draw could also spring a few surprises. Karolina Pliskova's raw power and serving ability make her a threat on the fast courts of Flushing Meadows, and Simona Halep has a fantastic record at the tournament. Last year, she lost to eventual winner Flavia Pennetta.
But all eyes will be on the trio of Muguruza, Kerber and Williams. Muguruza has struggled at the U.S. Open before, but her progression has been remarkable, and Pennetta thinks she has what it takes to go all the way, per WTA Insider:
Muguruza's draw, however, is far from easy. She could meet Olympic champion Monica Puig, who gave her just two games in their encounter in Rio, in the third round.
Kerber's form has been excellent of late, and she's expected to go on her best U.S. Open run since a semi-final appearance in 2011.
But as is always the case, Williams will be the clear favourite for the title. She's made the final in all three Grand Slams this year, and while she hasn't been as consistently dominant as she's been in years past, she still doesn't lose often when she's at her best.
Like Djokovic, Williams will also receive an early test, meeting Ekaterina Makarova in the first round.
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