UK tennis fans got a glimpse into what the future of tennis on their TV looks like after Sky Sports was revealed as the new rights holder of the US Open.
The worst kept secret in the sport was finally confirmed as the digital broadcaster revealed their partnership with the United States Tennis Association starting with next year's event and running until 2027.
Fans of the game in the UK have been concerned as to where they could catch the fourth Grand Slam of the calendar after it was previously announced that Amazon Prime had lost the rights to the event.
And, although there were whispers from many onlookers that Sky was likely the preferred bidder, Thursday's announcement confirms the subscription-based broadcaster will return to its relationship with the USTA for the first time in eight years, having previously held the rights between 1991 and 2015.
Sky Sports managing director, announcing the deal, said: "We are very excited to partner with the USTA once again to deliver the US Open, one of the greatest Grand Slam tennis tournaments in the world.
"We have had a great history with the USTA and remember Andy Murray's 2012 US Open win as one of the great moments on Sky Sports. This is another huge sporting event for our viewers, and we look forward to bringing tennis fans more of what they love and welcoming in new fans to the sport."
As part of its coverage, Sky Sports will have access to all individual court feeds, broadcasting a minimum of 135 hours of competition throughout the two-week Grand Slam tournament. Extensive coverage will provide content for both existing tennis fans and new audiences across Sky Sports' linear, digital, and social channels.
The agreement includes coverage of the men's and women's tournaments, alongside the respective doubles, mixed doubles, junior, and wheelchair competitions.
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