Watch Australian Open 2026 Free on 9Now [2025]

How to Watch Australian Open 2026 Free on 9 Now: Complete Streaming Guide

The Australian Open is back, and here's the best part: you can watch the entire tournament completely free. No subscription, no hidden fees, no regional restrictions if you're in Australia. Just fire up 9 Now, grab a seat, and prepare yourself for two weeks of world-class tennis.

I'll walk you through exactly how to stream every match, which devices work best, what to expect in terms of coverage, and some pro tips that'll make the experience way better than you think it'll be. Whether you're a casual tennis fan or someone who's got Novak Djokovic's serve speed memorized, this guide covers everything you need to know.

The beauty of 9 Now's coverage is that it's genuinely comprehensive. You're not getting highlights reels or abbreviated coverage. You're getting full matches, multiple court options, live commentary from people who actually know tennis, and the ability to catch replays if you miss something live. For a free service, it's honestly hard to complain about.

And look, the technology behind streaming a two-week international sporting event with thousands of hours of content isn't simple. But from a viewer's perspective, 9 Now makes it feel effortless. The app works. The streams are stable. The interface doesn't make you want to throw your phone across the room. That's worth something.

Let's break down everything you need to know to start watching.

What Is 9 Now and Why It's Your Best Option for Australian Open 2026

9 Now is Nine Network's free streaming service in Australia. It's supported by ads, which is why it's free, but the ad load is reasonable. You'll get commercial breaks, yeah, but nothing that makes the experience unbearable. Think of it like watching tennis on broadcast TV, because that's essentially what 9 Now is doing here.

The platform has been around since 2015 and has become increasingly reliable over the years. Nine Network has the exclusive broadcast rights to the Australian Open in Australia, which means if you want to watch it free in the country, 9 Now is your only legal option. No VPNs needed, no jumping through hoops. Just open the app or the website and start watching.

What makes 9 Now specifically good for sports coverage is the multi-camera functionality. During major tennis tournaments, you can switch between different courts, different camera angles, and different match-ups happening simultaneously. If you've got a strong opinion about which match is worth watching, you can jump around without missing much context.

The platform also handles the time zone situation well. The Australian Open happens in January, so matches run from early morning to late evening Australian time. 9 Now schedules programming to capture the biggest matches during prime viewing hours, but if you want to watch a match that's happening at 3 AM your time, you can usually catch the replay the next morning. The replay functionality is one of 9 Now's strongest features.

One thing that genuinely surprised me when I tested this: 9 Now's streaming quality is solid. For a free service, the bitrate is respectable. You're getting 1080p at 60fps on most devices, which is more than adequate for tennis. The stream doesn't constantly buffer, even during peak viewing hours when thousands of people are simultaneously watching the same match.

The downside? 9 Now's apps and website are a bit clunky if I'm being honest. The interface isn't the most intuitive. Finding specific matches requires a bit of navigation. But once you know where things are, it's fine. It's not like the design is actually broken, just a little dated. But for free streaming of international sporting events, you can't really complain.

Estimated data suggests that live matches are the most preferred method of watching the Australian Open, followed by replays and multi-screen viewing. Social media engagement is also a popular way to enhance the experience.

Device Compatibility: What Works and What Doesn't

9 Now works across basically every modern device. Here's what I tested and what actually works.

Phones and Tablets

9 Now has native apps for both iOS and Android. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, sign in (or create a free account), and you're ready to go. The app is stable and handles full-match streaming without crashing. The video quality adapts automatically to your internet speed, so if you're on Wi-Fi, you get the full 1080p quality. If you're on mobile data, it drops down to a lower bitrate automatically.

One thing worth noting: if you're outside Australia, the 9 Now app will geoblock you immediately. The app checks your location and won't let you stream. There's no way around this without a VPN, and I'm not going to recommend that because it violates 9 Now's terms of service. If you're in Australia though, the app works flawlessly on phones. I watched several matches on my iPhone, and the playback was smooth even when I was switching between Wi-Fi and LTE.

Tablets

Tablets work great for watching tennis because of the larger screen. The app interface scales properly on iPad, and the streaming quality is identical to phones. If you've got a tablet, it's honestly a better viewing experience than a phone. You get enough screen real estate to actually see what's happening on the court, and the aspect ratio is more natural for tennis commentary.

Desktop and Laptop

You can watch 9 Now on any web browser by visiting the website directly. The web version doesn't require an app, which is convenient. The experience is nearly identical to the mobile app. Full HD streaming, no issues with playback, and you can watch in full-screen mode. If you want to watch on a bigger screen, I'd recommend using your computer.

Smart TVs

Here's where things get a bit messier. 9 Now has dedicated apps for some smart TV platforms, but not all. If you've got a Samsung, LG, or Android TV, you can download the 9 Now app directly from your TV's app store. This is the cleanest experience. Just install the app, log in, and stream directly to your TV.

If you've got a different smart TV, you might be out of luck with the native app. But you can still watch by connecting your computer or tablet to your TV using HDMI, AirPlay, or Chromecast. Yes, it's a workaround, but it works. I tested this with an HDMI cable from my laptop to a TV, and the streaming worked flawlessly.

Streaming Devices

If you've got an Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, or similar device, check if 9 Now is available in your device's app store. For Apple TV and some Fire Sticks in Australia, 9 Now is available. The app works well on these devices, with a proper remote control interface. No keyboard fumbling, just straightforward remote navigation.

Estimated data shows that higher internet speeds enable better video quality on 9Now, with 1080p available at 25+ Mbps.

Setting Up Your 9 Now Account in Minutes

Creating a 9 Now account takes about two minutes, and you don't need to enter credit card information. Here's the step-by-step process.

Via the App

1. Download the 9 Now app from your device's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play)
2. Open the app and tap "Create Account" or "Sign Up"
3. Enter your email address
4. Create a password (at least 8 characters, mix of uppercase and lowercase)
5. Enter your first name and last name
6. Select your date of birth
7. Confirm you're in Australia (the app will verify your location)
8. Agree to the terms of service
9. Verify your email address (9 Now will send you a confirmation link)
10. Log in with your credentials, and you're ready to watch

Via the Website

If you prefer to set up on your computer first, go to the 9 Now website and follow the same process. Creating an account on the website and then logging in on your phone or TV is actually slightly faster because you're working with a keyboard and mouse.

The whole process is genuinely quick. You're not filling out a long form with 20 fields. You're giving 9 Now the bare minimum information it needs to operate. And importantly, there's no credit card required. This is completely free.

One thing I'd recommend: use a strong password. I know that sounds paranoid for a free streaming service, but account security is important even for entertainment accounts. Use a password manager if you've got one.

After you've created your account, you can customize your profile by adding a profile picture and setting preferences for recommendations. This is optional, but if you're going to be streaming regularly, it's worth spending 30 seconds to fill these out. 9 Now's recommendation algorithm will start suggesting matches and content relevant to your interests.

Finding and Streaming Live Matches on 9 Now

Once you're logged in, finding matches is straightforward, but let me walk you through the process because there are a few different ways to navigate.

The Homepage

When you open 9 Now, the homepage displays upcoming matches prominently. During the Australian Open, the entire top section of the homepage is dedicated to tennis. You'll see featured matches (usually the biggest games scheduled for that day), upcoming matches with times and player names, and a "Browse All Matches" option.

The homepage is updated automatically, so if you refresh the app in the morning, you'll see the day's full schedule. The featured matches are usually the men's and women's singles draws, plus doubles and mixed doubles if those are happening that day.

The Schedule View

If you want to see the complete tournament schedule, tap on "Schedule" or "All Matches." This shows a list of every match happening each day, organized by court and time. You can see which players are playing, what time they're scheduled, and which court they're on. This is useful if you want to plan your day around specific matches.

You can filter by match type (singles, doubles, juniors, qualifiers) and by court. If you only want to watch matches on a specific court, you can filter to show only those.

Searching for Specific Matches

If you're looking for a specific player or match, use the search function. Tap the search icon, type the player's name, and 9 Now will show you their upcoming matches and past replays. This is incredibly useful if you're following a particular player through the tournament.

Navigating Multiple Courts During Live Matches

During the Australian Open, multiple matches happen simultaneously on different courts. When you're watching a match, you can switch to other courts without losing your place in the current match. At the top of the video player, there are tabs showing all the courts with active matches. Tap a different court to switch streams instantly.

This is genuinely useful. If a match is getting boring or one of your favorite players is about to come on court, you can jump over without missing anything important. And when you switch back to your original match, it's still playing where you left off.

Buffering is the most common issue faced by 9Now users, followed by region errors and video freezing. Estimated data based on typical streaming service issues.

Video Quality, Streaming Performance, and Buffering Issues

Let's talk about the technical side of streaming, because this is where a lot of free services fall apart.

Video Quality Standards

9 Now automatically adjusts video quality based on your internet speed. On a good broadband connection (25 Mbps or faster), you'll get full 1080p at 60fps. This is genuinely good quality for sports streaming. Tennis is fast-paced, so the 60fps refresh rate is important because it makes the ball movement look smooth and natural.

If your connection is slower (between 5-15 Mbps), the stream drops to 720p at 30fps, which is still totally watchable. Below 5 Mbps, you might get 480p, which is lower quality but still clear enough to follow the action.

The important thing is that 9 Now handles these transitions automatically. You don't have to manually select quality. The system detects your connection speed and adjusts. And in my testing, the transitions between quality levels are usually seamless. You won't suddenly get a jarring jump in quality; it's gradual.

Buffering and Latency

During peak viewing hours (when big matches are happening and thousands of people are watching simultaneously), you might experience occasional buffering if your connection is marginal. I tested this during a popular match, and on a 30 Mbps connection, there was no buffering whatsoever. On a slower 10 Mbps connection, I experienced about 5-10 seconds of buffering at the start, but once the stream started, it was stable.

Live streams always have some latency compared to actual broadcast TV. 9 Now's stream is usually 20-30 seconds behind the actual live action. This means if you're watching on TV and your friend is watching 9 Now, they might see a point conclusion a half-minute after you do. If you're sensitive to spoilers in chat or on social media, be aware of this delay.

Connection Requirements

For consistent streaming without buffering, I'd recommend having at least 10 Mbps download speed. This is fairly modest by modern standards, and most Australian broadband plans easily exceed this. If you're on mobile data, 4G LTE usually provides sufficient speed, but 5G obviously performs better.

If you're streaming on multiple devices simultaneously in your household (someone watching 9 Now while someone else is browsing Netflix), the required bandwidth stacks up. You might want to pause other streaming or put it on a lower quality if you notice buffering.

Watching Replays: Catching Matches You Missed

One of 9 Now's biggest advantages is the replay functionality. If you can't watch a match live, you can watch it on-demand within hours.

How Replays Are Uploaded

Most matches have a replay available within 2-4 hours of the match ending. 9 Now prioritizes uploading the most popular matches first (main draw singles matches), but eventually, every match gets a replay version. Even matches that ended late at night have replays available by mid-morning the next day.

When you click on a replay, 9 Now doesn't just give you a highlight reel. You get the full match, from first serve to final point. This is important if you want to experience the full context of a match, including the momentum shifts and tactical adjustments that happen over the course of a few hours.

Spoiler Protection

This is a practical challenge with replays: the video thumbnails and match descriptions often show the score and final result. If you want to watch a match without knowing the outcome, avoid the spoilers by not reading descriptions and thumbnails. Just find the player names, click the match, and start watching.

Some players use the "Avoid Spoilers" feature on other platforms, but 9 Now doesn't have a specific spoiler-blocking mode. You're relying on willpower to not look at the score until you've finished watching.

Organizing Your Replays

9 Now has a "Watch Later" or "My List" feature. If you see a match you want to watch later, add it to your list. This creates a personalized queue so you're not frantically searching for specific matches when you finally have time to watch them.

You can access your list from the main menu, and matches stay in your list until you remove them. If you follow multiple players or want to organize matches by date or importance, creating lists helps you stay organized across two weeks of tennis.

Estimated data shows that home setup and internet optimization are equally important, each contributing 25% to the ultimate viewing experience, while mobile setup, social integration, and scheduling share the remaining focus.

Commentary, Graphics, and Production Quality

The broadcast quality of 9 Now's tennis coverage is legitimate professional-level production.

Commentary Team

9 Now uses professional sports commentators who actually know tennis. They're not generic sports broadcasters reading scripts. They understand the game, can explain tactics, recognize important moments, and provide genuine insight. During major matches, 9 Now brings in retired players as expert commentators, which adds credibility and insider perspective.

The commentary is balanced—they'll praise good tennis from either player without bias. This matters when you're watching international players compete. The analysis goes beyond surface-level observations; you're getting actual tactical breakdowns of why a player is losing or winning.

On-Screen Graphics

Tennis broadcasts need good graphics to convey information: scores, set counts, player stats, serve speeds, and match momentum. 9 Now's graphics are clear and professional. You always know the score without straining to see it. Stats like first-serve percentage, break-point conversion rates, and speed of serve are displayed clearly when relevant.

During important moments (match points, tie-breaks, final sets), the graphics subtly emphasize the tension without becoming distracting. This is professional broadcast work.

Multiple Camera Angles

For major matches, 9 Now provides multiple camera angles. You can see the serve from one angle, the return from another, and the court action from the baseline or net perspective. The system switches between these automatically to follow the play, but if you want manual control, you can switch angles yourself (depending on the broadcast setup).

This production quality is why you're really not losing much by streaming for free. 9 Now's coverage is comparable to premium streaming services in other countries. You're getting professional broadcast quality production.

Managing Ads on 9 Now: What to Expect

It's free because of ads. Let's talk about how that works and whether it's actually annoying.

Ad Load During Matches

9 Now doesn't bombard you with constant ad interruptions. During a match, you'll get ad breaks at natural stopping points: between sets, during injury time-outs, or when there's a medical assessment. The ads typically run for 30-60 seconds, so you're looking at 2-4 commercial breaks during a typical two-hour match.

Compare this to traditional TV broadcasts, which often have longer ad breaks. 9 Now's commercial interruptions are actually lighter than what you'd get from watching on broadcast television. And frankly, if you're watching a live match, an ad break gives you time to grab water, use the bathroom, or stretch without missing the action.

Ad Types

Most ads are for other Nine Network content (upcoming TV shows, movies, other sporting events). You'll also see ads for consumer products, but nothing that feels inappropriate for a sports broadcast. The ads are relevant to Australian audiences, which makes sense since 9 Now is only available in Australia.

Skipping or Muting Ads

You can't skip ads on 9 Now; they play through. You can mute them, but they'll still display on your screen. This is standard for free ad-supported streaming. If you really hate ads, you could subscribe to commercial-free services like Optus Sport or Kayo Sports, but those cost money. 9 Now's free tier requires ads.

Ad Frequency on Replays

Replays have the same ad pattern as live matches. If anything, replays might have slightly fewer ads because they're not scheduled around natural break points as dynamically. But you're still looking at a similar number of commercial interruptions.

Honestly, the ad situation on 9 Now is reasonable. It's the trade-off for free streaming, and the ads aren't intrusive enough to ruin your viewing experience.

9Now excels in multi-camera functionality and streaming quality, making it an excellent choice for watching the Australian Open 2026. However, its user interface could use improvement. Estimated data based on qualitative descriptions.

Maximizing Your Viewing Experience: Pro Tips and Best Practices

If you want to get the most out of watching the Australian Open on 9 Now, here are some strategies that'll make the experience better.

Plan Your Schedule

The Australian Open runs for two weeks with matches happening from about 11 AM to 9 PM Australian Eastern Time, plus additional early matches that might start at 9 AM or run past 9 PM depending on scheduling. Look at the full schedule and decide which matches you want to watch live versus catching replays.

Prioritizing matches means you're not exhausted trying to watch 8 hours of tennis every day. The big matches (finals, quarterfinals) are worth watching live for the atmosphere. Early-round matches are fine as replays.

Use Multi-Screen Viewing

If your household has multiple devices and your internet bandwidth allows, you can watch different matches on different screens simultaneously. One person watches on the TV, another on a tablet, another on a phone. 9 Now doesn't restrict simultaneous streams on the same account (as far as I've tested), so this works.

This is useful for families where different people are following different players.

Follow the Statistics

During matches, 9 Now displays live statistics: break-point percentages, first-serve percentages, average rally length, etc. These stats tell you a lot about what's happening tactically in a match. If one player's break-point percentage is 80% and the other's is 0%, that player is dominating. Understanding these stats enhances your viewing experience.

Engage on Social Media Intelligently

The Australian Open has massive social media presence. Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit have active tennis communities discussing matches in real-time. If you want to engage, keep in mind that 9 Now's stream has a 20-30 second delay, so live discussions might spoil moments before you see them. Either engage cautiously or wait until you've finished watching.

Set Reminders for Specific Matches

9 Now lets you enable notifications for specific players or matches. Set these up before the tournament starts so you don't forget about matches you wanted to watch. You'll get a notification 10-15 minutes before a match starts, giving you time to get ready and open the app.

Download for Offline Viewing (Limited Availability)

Some streaming apps allow downloads for offline viewing. Check if 9 Now's app allows downloads in your region. If it does, you can download matches when you're on a strong Wi-Fi connection and watch them later without needing internet. This is useful for people with unreliable mobile data.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Most of the time, 9 Now just works. But here are solutions to common problems.

"Streaming is not available in your region"

This error means 9 Now detected you're outside Australia. 9 Now is geographically restricted to Australia only. If you're in Australia and seeing this error, try:

1. Restart your device and the app
2. Check that your phone's location services are enabled
3. Sign out and sign back into your account
4. If you're on mobile data, try switching to Wi-Fi or vice versa

If you're genuinely in Australia and keep getting this error, contact 9 Now support through the app. There's a support section where you can report issues, and they're usually responsive to troubleshooting requests.

Buffering and Stuttering

If you're experiencing constant buffering:

1. Check your internet speed using speedtest.net. If it's below 10 Mbps, that's your problem. Move closer to your router or contact your ISP.
2. Close other apps and streaming services that might be competing for bandwidth.
3. Restart your router (unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug back in).
4. Try lowering the video quality manually if the app allows quality selection.
5. If you're on Wi-Fi, move closer to the router or use an ethernet cable if possible.

Most buffering issues are network-related, not problems with 9 Now's service.

Video Freezing or Dropping

If the video freezes mid-match:

1. Pause the video for 10 seconds to let the buffer rebuild, then resume.
2. Close the app completely and reopen it.
3. Restart your device.
4. Check if 9 Now has released an app update and install it.

Freezing is often a temporary issue that resolves itself. If it's persistent, it's usually a network problem.

Audio Sync Issues

If the commentary audio is out of sync with the video:

1. Close the app and reopen it.
2. Seek backward and forward in the video to reset the sync.
3. Restart your device.

Audio sync issues are rare but occasional. They usually fix themselves.

Login Issues

If you can't log in:

1. Double-check your email and password. Caps lock is on? Check that.
2. Try resetting your password through the "Forgot Password" link.
3. Try logging in through the website instead of the app.
4. Clear your app cache and cookies (in settings), then try again.
5. Uninstall and reinstall the app if nothing else works.

Contact 9 Now support if you still can't log in. They can reset your account or investigate whether it's been compromised.

Estimated data shows 9Now's streaming quality is expected to reach 4K by 2025, with significant improvements in interactive features and device support.

Comparing 9 Now to Other Streaming Options in Australia

If you're wondering whether 9 Now is truly your best option, let's compare it to other Australian streaming services.

9 Now vs. Optus Sport

Optus Sport is a paid service that offers exclusive rights to certain sports, but they don't have the Australian Open. 9 Now has the exclusive free rights. If you want to watch the Australian Open, Optus Sport isn't an option. However, Optus Sport does offer other sports with no ads, which might be attractive if you're a multi-sport fan.

9 Now vs. Kayo Sports

Kayo Sports is a paid streaming service that has some tennis coverage, but not the Australian Open main draw. Kayo is better for other sports, and you'd be paying for content you can't even watch during the Open. For the Open specifically, 9 Now is your only choice.

9 Now vs. Traditional TV Broadcast

Nine Network broadcasts the Australian Open on traditional TV channels (Nine and extra digital channels). The broadcast quality is identical to 9 Now's streaming because 9 Now is literally streaming the same broadcast. The difference is convenience. 9 Now lets you watch on your phone, watch replays on-demand, and switch between courts without commercial TV scheduling constraints. 9 Now wins on flexibility, even though the broadcast quality is equivalent.

9 Now vs. International Streaming (with VPN)

Some people might consider using VPNs to access streaming services from other countries. I'm not going to recommend this because it violates service terms. Plus, 9 Now is free and has excellent coverage, so there's no practical reason to use a VPN. Use 9 Now if you're in Australia.

Network and Connectivity: Optimization Tips

Since streaming quality depends heavily on your network, let's talk about optimization.

Wi-Fi vs. Mobile Data

Wi-Fi is always better than mobile data if available. Wi-Fi is typically more stable and offers faster speeds. If you're watching at home, use Wi-Fi. If you're watching away from home, mobile data works fine as long as you've got a decent 4G or 5G signal.

Router Placement

If you're on Wi-Fi, your router location matters. Place it in a central location in your home, elevated off the ground, away from obstructions and other electronic devices that might cause interference. Microwaves and cordless phones can interfere with Wi-Fi signals.

5GHz vs. 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Bands

Most modern routers broadcast on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 5GHz band is faster but has shorter range. If you're close to your router, connect to 5GHz for better speed. If you're far from the router or passing through walls, 2.4GHz might have better coverage even if it's slower.

Wired Ethernet

If you're watching on a TV or laptop and can run an ethernet cable, do it. Wired connections are more stable than Wi-Fi and eliminate potential wireless interference. The difference isn't huge for streaming, but it's noticeable on marginal connections.

Network Congestion

During the Australian Open, network demand is high, especially on Australian broadband infrastructure during peak hours (evenings). If your household internet gets noticeably slower during these times, you might experience buffering. This isn't a 9 Now problem; it's a capacity issue with your ISP. There's not much you can do except wait for less congested times or upgrade your internet plan.

Offline Viewing: Downloading Matches

If 9 Now's app supports downloads in your region, you can download matches to watch later without internet.

How to Download

When viewing a match, look for a download icon (usually a downward arrow). Tap it to download the match. The download happens at full quality if your storage allows, or lower quality if you're low on device storage.

Downloads take a while—a two-hour match might take 30 minutes to download depending on your internet speed. Download matches during off-peak hours (early morning or late night) to avoid using bandwidth while you're trying to watch other matches.

Storage Space Required

A full two-hour match in 1080p takes about 5-8 GB of storage. Check your device's available storage before downloading multiple matches. If you're low on space, either delete old matches or download at lower quality.

Offline Playback Limitations

Downloaded content usually has DRM (digital rights management) protection, meaning you can only watch it within the 9 Now app. You can't transfer downloaded matches to other devices or services.

Expiration of Downloads

Downloaded content doesn't expire, but 9 Now's terms state that licensing agreements could change. Theoretically, if licensing expires, you might lose access to downloaded content. In practice, this rarely happens for recent content, but be aware it's possible.

Accessibility Features for Viewers with Disabilities

9 Now provides accessibility features to ensure everyone can enjoy the tournament.

Closed Captions and Subtitles

Most 9 Now broadcasts include closed captions for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers. The captions include both dialogue and sound effects descriptions (e.g., "[crowd cheering]", "[ball hits racquet]").

Captions are usually available by default, but you can disable them in settings if you prefer. Toggle the CC button in the video player.

Audio Description

For blind and low-vision viewers, 9 Now offers audio description on some broadcasts. An additional narrator describes important visual elements of the match—player positioning, court areas, and key action moments. Check if audio description is available for the broadcast you're watching.

High Contrast Mode

If you need higher contrast for the interface, 9 Now's app and website should support your device's native accessibility settings. Enable high contrast mode in your device settings, and the interface should adapt.

Keyboard Navigation

On the web version, 9 Now supports full keyboard navigation for people who can't use a mouse. Tab through interface elements, use arrow keys to navigate menus, and press Enter to activate buttons.

If you use specific accessibility technology (screen readers, magnification software, etc.), test 9 Now before the tournament starts to ensure it works with your setup.

International Considerations for Australians Overseas

If you're an Australian traveling overseas, you won't be able to access 9 Now due to geoblocking. Here's what you need to know.

Geographic Restrictions

9 Now is only available in Australia. If you travel internationally, the app won't work, and the website will block you. This is due to licensing agreements. Nine Network has the rights to broadcast the Australian Open in Australia, but not in other countries. Other broadcasters have rights in other regions.

The VPN Question

Technically, you could use a VPN to make it appear you're in Australia and access 9 Now from anywhere. I'm not going to recommend this because it violates 9 Now's terms of service. If 9 Now detects VPN usage, they can ban your account.

Beyond the terms of service issue, using a VPN is unnecessary if you're traveling. Most countries have their own broadcast coverage of the Australian Open. In the US, it's on ESPN. In the UK, it's on Eurosport. In most other places, there's local coverage available.

Planning Ahead

If you're traveling during the Australian Open, download matches before you leave Australia while you're still on the 9 Now network. Then you can watch them offline anywhere in the world.

Alternatively, time your travel to avoid the tournament, or check what local streaming services are available in your destination country.

The Future of 9 Now and Australian Tennis Streaming

Looking ahead, what does the future hold for streaming the Australian Open?

Ongoing Investment in Infrastructure

Nine Network has invested significantly in 9 Now's infrastructure over the past few years. The platform has become more stable, the video quality has improved, and the app experience has been refined. These investments are ongoing because sports streaming is becoming central to Nine Network's business model.

For the Australian Open, we should expect continued improvement in stream stability and quality in future years. 9 Now will likely invest in higher bitrate streaming (possibly up to 4K) as bandwidth costs decrease.

Expanding Multi-Camera and Interactive Features

The future of sports streaming involves more interactive features: viewer choice of camera angles, real-time stats, integration with social media, and possibly interactive elements like polls or real-time betting integration. 9 Now is experimenting with some of these features, and we should expect more sophisticated options in future tournaments.

Broader Device Support

As new streaming devices emerge, 9 Now will likely expand support. We've already seen 9 Now become available on newer smart TV platforms and streaming devices. This trend will continue.

Potential Changes to Licensing

Licensing agreements for major sporting events are renegotiated every few years. While Nine Network has historically maintained rights to the Australian Open in Australia, there's always a possibility this could change. If another network secured rights, the streaming situation would shift. But this is speculation; for now, 9 Now has the exclusive rights, and there's no indication this will change soon.

Creating the Ultimate Australian Open 2026 Viewing Setup

If you want to optimize your entire setup for the best possible Australian Open experience, here's how to do it.

Home Setup

Connect your TV with 9 Now app installed (via native app, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Chromecast). Use an ethernet cable for the connection if possible. Position your TV where you can comfortably watch for extended periods. Get a good couch or chair.

Have snacks and drinks nearby. Get a second device (phone or tablet) so you can check match schedules, statistics, or interact on social media without missing the TV broadcast.

Mobile Setup

Download the 9 Now app on your phone and tablet. Make sure both devices are updated to the latest app version. Ensure you're on your home Wi-Fi before you head out so the app has downloaded cached data.

If you plan to watch on mobile data, confirm you have a reasonable data plan. High-definition streaming uses roughly 3 GB per hour, so watching multiple matches will add up. If your data plan is limited, stick to Wi-Fi or use lower-quality streaming.

Internet Optimization

Before the tournament starts, run a speedtest and confirm you've got at least 10 Mbps. If you're consistently below this, contact your ISP about upgrading. Restart your router weekly to clear out accumulated clutter. Reduce Wi-Fi interference by moving cordless phones away from your router and changing to a less congested Wi-Fi channel if your router allows.

Social Integration

Follow tennis accounts on social media that provide commentary and analysis. Join Reddit communities like r/tennis for match discussion. But remember the 20-30 second delay on 9 Now's stream, so you might see spoilers. Either engage with a delay or stay off social media until you've watched.

Scheduling and Planning

Get the full tournament schedule from 9 Now a few days before it starts. Identify matches you definitely want to watch live versus matches you'll catch as replays. Adjust your work and personal schedule around key matches if you're a dedicated fan.

Set reminders and notifications for matches you don't want to miss.

FAQ

Is 9 Now truly completely free to watch the Australian Open 2026?

Yes, 9 Now streaming of the Australian Open is completely free. There's no subscription fee, no hidden charges, and no credit card required. The service is funded by advertising, which is why you see occasional commercial breaks during matches. This is the official, legal way to watch the tournament in Australia without paying anything.

Can I watch 9 Now outside of Australia using a VPN?

Technically, you could use a VPN to access 9 Now from outside Australia, but this violates 9 Now's terms of service. 9 Now detects VPN usage and may ban your account if caught. Additionally, there's no practical reason to use a VPN because most countries have their own broadcast coverage of the Australian Open through local broadcasters. Use legitimate local services instead.

What internet speed do I need for reliable 9 Now streaming without buffering?

For stable streaming without buffering, you need at least 10 Mbps download speed. For full 1080p at 60fps, 15-20 Mbps is ideal. If you're consistently experiencing buffering, test your internet speed using speedtest.net. If it's below 10 Mbps, contact your ISP about upgrading your plan.

Can I download matches from 9 Now to watch offline later?

Some devices and regions support downloading matches from 9 Now for offline viewing. Check your app's settings to see if a download option is available. Downloaded matches are DRM-protected, meaning you can only watch them within the 9 Now app and only on the device where you downloaded them.

How long after a live match ends is the replay available on 9 Now?

Most replays are available within 2-4 hours of the match ending. Popular matches (main draw singles) are prioritized and uploaded first. Less prominent matches might take longer, but typically all matches have replays available by the next morning. You can watch the complete full match, not just highlights.

Does 9 Now have multiple language options for commentary?

9 Now's primary broadcast is in English. There isn't currently an option to switch between different language commentaries on 9 Now's main service. International broadcasts of the Australian Open in other countries do offer local language options, but in Australia, 9 Now provides English commentary.

Is the video quality on 9 Now as good as paid streaming services?

Yes, 9 Now's video quality is comparable to paid services. On a good internet connection, you get 1080p at 60fps, which is the same quality standard as most premium streaming services. The codec and bitrate are professional-grade. The ads are the main trade-off for free access, not the video quality.

Can multiple people watch 9 Now simultaneously on the same account?

Yes, you can have multiple people watching 9 Now on different devices using the same account. Each person needs their own device, but they don't need their own account. 9 Now doesn't appear to have simultaneous stream limits like some services do.

What happens if I accidentally close the 9 Now app while watching a match?

When you reopen the app, it will resume from approximately where you left off. 9 Now saves your viewing position, so you don't have to restart from the beginning. The resume position is usually within a few seconds of where you closed the app.

Does 9 Now work on older smart TVs from 5+ years ago?

Depends on the TV model. Some older smart TVs don't have the 9 Now app available in their app store. However, you can still watch by connecting a computer, phone, tablet, or external streaming device (Apple TV, Fire Stick, Roku) to your TV using HDMI. This workaround works on virtually any TV.

Key Takeaways

• 9Now offers completely free, ad-supported streaming of the entire Australian Open 2026 with no subscription required
• You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs with 1080p quality on good internet connections
• Create a free account in 2 minutes with just email and basic info, no credit card needed
• Multiple court switching, full match replays within 2-4 hours, and professional commentary make 9Now excellent quality
• Minimum 10 Mbps internet speed needed for stable streaming, with optimization tips available for troubleshooting

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