Tennis may sit behind football on ESPN’s priority list, yet the network has often delivered polished, compelling coverage when it commits, especially at the Australian Open, which tipped off today. Fans tuned in eager for marquee opening-day clashes, only to be jolted by a steep price hike. The excitement quickly curdled into discontent, as viewers voiced sharp frustration over broadcast costs overshadowing the on-court spectacle.

In the US, the AO is being shown nationally on ESPN and ESPN2 throughout the tournament. Fans can also stream matches live through ESPN Unlimited, ESPN+ and Fubo. On paper, the coverage looks broad and accessible. In reality, many viewers found the setup confusing and frustrating on opening day.

ESPN Unlimited was launched last year during a dispute with YouTube TV. At the time, many sports fans were searching for a new platform to watch ESPN content. This included major properties like Monday Night Football. The service was positioned as a long-term solution for cord-cutters.

With its official rollout, ESPN Unlimited became the network’s direct-to-consumer platform. It was designed to house live sports, studio shows, original programming, and more. ESPN framed it as a major step in expanding its brand. The goal was to place everything under one digital roof.

ESPN Unlimited costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year as a standalone service. Bundles with Disney+ and Hulu are also available. These cost around $35.99 per month with ads or $44.99 per month for premium access.

A cheaper option, ESPN Select, offers ESPN+ content for $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year. However, it does not include live ESPN channels. ESPN Unlimited is also included with select Samsung TV purchases.

Problems surfaced when fans logged into ESPN+ to watch the Australian Open. Many realized ESPN+ alone was no longer enough, as access now required ESPN Unlimited. The added cost sparked widespread frustration. Complaints poured in on the opening day of the tournament.

Fans blast ESPN over the high ESPN Unlimited price for AO

As soon as the ball got underway at Melbourne Park on opening day, frustration erupted among fans in the US. Many tuned in expecting seamless access. Instead, they found themselves unable to watch matches on ESPN. Confusion quickly turned into anger as viewers realized familiar options no longer worked.

One fan summed up the mood bluntly on X. “It is an absolute joke what ESPN has done with Australian Open coverage this year. REQUIRING a $30 ESPN Unlimited subscription to watch all the matches is crazy.” The comment echoed across social media as complaints gained momentum throughout the day.

Another netizen voiced similar disbelief. “What is this BS with ESPN+ not letting me have access to all of the Australian open match without the unlimited plan? Since when? WTF” 

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Many fans shared the same shock. They believed ESPN+ would still cover the event as before.

Beyond subscription issues, ESPN also rolled out changes to its on-air talent. The 2026 AO lineup introduced new faces. At the same time, several long-standing voices were missing. This added another layer of surprise for long-time viewers.

Malika Andrews will host ESPN’s Australian Open desk coverage during the second week. Her role includes the championship weekend. Katie George will handle hosting duties in week one. The shift marked a notable change in presentation.

Chris McKendry, a familiar presence for years, moved into a play-by-play role. 

However, veteran analysts Brad Gilbert, Pam Shriver, Darren Cahill, and Rennae Stubbs were absent. Their names did not appear in ESPN’s announced lineup.

Gilbert and Shriver later addressed their exits on X. ESPN confirmed their departures to SBJ. Gilbert, who launched a new podcast with Tennis Channel, began with ESPN in 2004. Shriver had been with the network since 1990.

ESPN still holds US rights to three of tennis’ four Grand Slams. TNT Sports carries the French Open. Despite this strong position, fans continued to vent. 

Another wrote, “US Tennis fans logging into ESPN+ to watch the Australian Open and realizing ESPN+ isn’t enough anymore, and now they also need ESPN Unlimited.”

Last year, access looked very different. Fans could watch every match live on ESPN+. Tennis Channel supported coverage with highlights, analysis, interviews, and replays. Select matches also aired on ESPN and ESPN2. Streaming without cable was available on Fubo.

This year’s pricing shift hit hard. One fan exploded online. “An absolute joke that even if you have ESPN+ or a cable subscription that you can’t watch many of the big #AusOpen matches. ESPN Unlimited hosting so much of the tournament is shameful. Australian Open hype just went up in smoke. F**k you @espn”

Others were upset about missing specific matches. Fans trying to watch Maria Sakkari or Jasmine Paolini were locked out. One posted, “What Is Going On, Why Cant I Watch Maria Sakkari or Jasmine Paolini!? I need to pay an Extra $40 For ESPN Unlimited!?!? Yall Did Us DIRTY‼️‼️ FIX IT NOW… #AusOpen #espn #AustralianOpen”

With the Australian Open now underway, debate continues to rage. Fans remain divided and vocal. What do you think of ESPN’s broadcasting approach this year? Share your thoughts below.