Tennis season kicks off in style with the 2026 Australian Open, and if you’re outside of Australia, you might be wondering how to catch every thrilling match especially without cable or region-locked services getting in the way.
Whether you’re in Europe, the US, Asia, or somewhere remote, there’s a simple workaround that gets you full access to every court, every round, completely free. Here’s how I’m watching it all and how you can too.
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Streaming the Australian Open 2026
If you just want the list of tested VPNs that work with 9Now (Australia’s free official stream), here are your top picks:
| VPN Provider | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Fastest AU servers, top-tier reliability, works with 9Now flawlessly | No-hassle HD/4K streaming |
| NordVPN | Excellent value, NordLynx protocol, 190+ AU servers | Price-performance balance |
| Surfshark | Unlimited devices, great budget pick, works well with 9Now | Families, budget users |
| CyberGhost | Streaming-optimized AU servers, simple apps | Beginners, casual fans |
| IPVanish | Lightweight and fast, surprisingly good at unblocking 9Now | Simpler setups, mobile users |
👉 Note: All five VPNs offer a money-back guarantee (usually 30 days), so you’re risk-free trying them out during the tournament.
Why Most Global Streams Don’t Show Everything (And How Australia’s 9Now Beats Them All)
Even in 2026, watching tennis globally is a mixed bag. If you’re in the US, you’re stuck toggling between ESPN and ESPN+. In Europe, Discovery+ or Eurosport might only show a few matches or feature limited court access. And good luck if you’re in a region where tennis coverage is behind a hefty paywall or spread across multiple services.
But here’s the kicker: Australia’s 9Now streams every single match, from every court, 100% free. And not just the men’s and women’s singles—also doubles, mixed, juniors, interviews, practice sessions, you name it.
The only catch? It’s geo-blocked to Australia.
How to Unlock 9Now from Anywhere (Yes, It Works)
To get around this, you just need a reliable VPN that can give you an Australian IP address. That way, when you visit 9Now.com.au, the site thinks you’re watching from Melbourne—even if you’re in London, New York, Tokyo, or Johannesburg.
Here’s exactly how to do it:
Step-by-Step: Stream AO2026 on 9Now in Minutes
- Get a VPN subscription
Choose one from the list above, I use ExpressVPN for the fastest speed during live matches. - Install the app
Works on phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, even Fire TV Stick. - Connect to an Australian server
I recommend choosing a server in Sydney or Melbourne. They tend to offer the most stable streams. - Go to 9Now.com.au
Click “Sign up” (it’s free). Use an email and enter any Australian postcode (e.g., 3000 for Melbourne). - Start watching live
Head to the “Live TV” section or open the Australian Open section directly. No fees. No delays.
🛑 Pro Tip: Turn off GPS/location services on your mobile if you’re using the 9Now app. Some apps cross-check location via GPS and Wi-Fi.
What Makes 9Now So Special for Tennis Fans?
Unlike ESPN+ or Eurosport, 9Now doesn’t cherry-pick which matches to show. It lets you choose your court. Want to follow a rising junior on Court 14? Go for it. Want to catch every minute of Alcaraz vs. Sinner? Easy.
Key features:
- 🎾 All matches from all courts
- 📺 Live + catch-up streaming
- 💬 Exclusive interviews and pressers
- 🆓 100% free (ad-supported)
And yes, you can stream in HD. If you’re after 4K Ultra HD with zero ads, Stan Sport (paid Australian service) also works with VPNs and gives premium-level coverage.
Which Countries Show AO2026 – And What They Miss
Here’s a breakdown of major broadcasters and why 9Now is often the better choice:
| Country/Region | Official Broadcaster | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| USA | ESPN / ESPN+ | Coverage varies, often incomplete court access |
| UK & Europe | Eurosport / Discovery+ | Often behind paywalls, not every court available |
| Canada | TSN / RDS | Court switching favors Canadian players |
| Asia (India, China) | Sony Sports / CCTV / iQiyi | Limited language options, regional restrictions |
| Middle East & Africa | beIN Sports / SuperSport | May need paid subscriptions, local limitations |
You can stick with local coverage, sure but if you’re the kind of viewer who doesn’t want to miss a single rally or wants free access to practice courts and early rounds, VPN + 9Now is the ultimate combo.
When and What to Watch (Key Dates)
- 🗓️ Main Draw Starts: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- 🎉 Opening Week Events: Jan 12–17 (practice, exhibitions, qualifiers)
- 🏆 Women’s Final: Saturday, January 31
- 🏆 Men’s Final: Sunday, February 1
The new 15-day format adds extra weekend coverage—so expect a stacked schedule and late-night thrillers.
Who’s Hot This Year? (Men’s & Women’s Favorites)
🧨 Men’s Field
- Jannik Sinner (2-time defending champ, AO king)
- Carlos Alcaraz (World No. 1 but Melbourne remains elusive)
- Novak Djokovic (10-time winner, now underdog status)
- Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, Joao Fonseca (dark horse)
🔥 Women’s Field
- Aryna Sabalenka (2-time champ, finalist in 2025)
- Madison Keys (defending champ)
- Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina (contenders)
- Zheng Qinwen, Ons Jabeur – notable absences
Sinner’s domination and Sabalenka’s record in Melbourne make them the clear betting favorites. But the Slam always brings surprises.
Final Thoughts: Why This Slam Is Worth Watching—Wherever You Are
The 2026 Australian Open isn’t just the first major of the year—it’s the most innovative, the most accessible (if you know how), and the one with the craziest fan energy.
So whether you’re watching from a couch in Paris, a train in Tokyo, or a beach bar in Bali, all you need is:
- A solid VPN
- A free 9Now account
- A love for big serves and epic five-set battles
Because the “Happy Slam” isn’t just for Aussies anymore. It’s for anyone who knows how to stream smart.
FAQ
Can I watch the Australian Open 2026 for free?
Yes, you can stream every match for free on Australia’s 9Now—just use a VPN to get an Australian IP.
Is it legal to use a VPN to access 9Now?
Using a VPN is legal in most countries. You’re simply changing your virtual location—just check your local laws.
What’s the best VPN to watch the Australian Open?
ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are the top choices. They work reliably with 9Now and offer high-speed AU servers.
Do I need an Australian phone number to sign up for 9Now?
No. Registration only requires an email and a valid Aussie postcode (e.g. 3000 for Melbourne).
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