This historic moment will be broadcast for free.
Channel 4 has partnered with Amazon Prime in a TV deal that enables the UK to watch live coverage of the US Open tennis final featuring Emma Raducanu. But don’t reach for your bank card yet; the new deal means the coverage will be free.
Raducanu is due to open the US Open final on Saturday evening at 9 pm UK time. Coverage, however, will begin from 8 pm.
Channel 4 has secured an 11-hour deal with Amazon Prime to share the broadcast, meaning fans in the UK will be able to support Raducanu as she makes her debut appearance at her first Grand Slam against Canadian Leylah Fernandez.
BREAKING: Tennis fans – cancel your plans for tonight – Channel 4 is showing the @EmmaRaducanu US Open final live from 8pm. Pls share and spread the word.
— Louisa Compton (@louisa_compton) September 11, 2021
But if you don’t have Amazon Prime, then don’t worry, even people without an Amazon subscription can watch.
The UK has followed 18-year-old Emma Raducanu closely, most notably because she is the first British woman to reach the finals of a grand slam tournament since Virginia Wade back in Wimbledon 1977.
So, how does it work?
Though Amazon subscribers will be able to watch the match, as usual, Channel 4’s landmark deal means they will stream Amazon’s live video through their channel.
The traditions and the future highlighted in British sports broadcasting on Saturday.
Ronaldo’s United return can’t be live on UK TV.
Raducanu, as the first Brit woman in a Grand Slam singles final in 44 years, will be streaming on Amazon.
But both free radio comms on BBC— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) September 10, 2021
Coverage will begin at 8 pm with coverage from former British star Greg Rusedski, Slovak champion Daniela Hantuchova and former British number one Anne Keothavong in the Prime Video Studio. Then at 9 pm, the match will begin in Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows.
Prime Video has also agreed to reinvest all fees from the Channel 4 deal into British Women’s tennis in a bid to support the next generation.
Match commentary will come from Mark Petchey, Martina Navratilova, as well as Tim Henman courtside and Jim Courier providing analysis from Flushing Meadows.
Prime Video has also partnered with the BBC to show match highlights of the US Open women’s singles final on the BBC on Sunday afternoon.
What an incredible achievement at this year's #USOpen @EmmaRaducanu!
We will all be rooting for you tomorrow 🤞 Wishing you the best of luck! C https://t.co/ceO5TuUEyt
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 10, 2021
Alex Green, managing director of Prime Video Sport Europe, said: “Emma’s journey from qualification through to the US Open final at the age of 18 is a truly magical story for British sport, and we think it’s important that we extend our coverage to as many people as possible to support her in this historic moment for women’s tennis.
“Young tennis talent such as Emma need the right support to become the stars we see today and we’re delighted to be able to commit even more investment to the next generation of women’s tennis in the UK.”
Ian Katz, chief content officer for Channel 4, said: “Emma’s meteoric rise to secure a place in the US Open Final is just sensational.
Pure happiness under the lights in New York 🌃🗽❤️ pic.twitter.com/j5721WEEaL
— Emma Raducanu (@EmmaRaducanu) September 10, 2021
“We’re glad to have worked with Prime Video and pulled out all the stops to get it on air and I’m sure viewers will be thrilled at the prospect of watching Emma in this Grand Slam final.
“We didn’t know we’d secured the deal until late on Friday night and so many people have gone above and beyond to make it happen. But Channel 4 is all about finding ways to let our viewers share great national moments, whether it’s Bake Off or big sporting events like the cricket World Cup final or US Open final.”
Related links:
- Emma Raducanu explains retirement decision after scathing McEnroe criticism
- 18-year-old Brit Emma Raducanu reaches last 16 at Wimbledon
