Disney gives US Open tennis players access to ESPN after Medvedev piracy response to Spectrum blackout

Wednesday, 06 September 2023 at 21:30

Disney grants US Open tennis players access to ESPN amid cable provider dispute

Amidst a growing dispute between Disney and cable service provider Charter Communications, players at the US Open have found an unusual source of relief. Disney has made the unconventional decision to grant tennis players access to coverage of their own tournament.

The controversy began on September 1st when Disney unexpectedly removed its channels, including ESPN and ABC, from Charter's Spectrum service, leaving nearly 15 million American customers without access to these popular cable television channels.

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The dispute unfolded just before the exciting college football games and in the midst of the US Open tennis tournament, causing a stir in the sports world and leaving tennis players caught in the crossfire.

Few tennis players have voiced their frustration over their inability to watch their opponents' matches during the tournament due to the ongoing dispute between the two companies.

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Disney has taken steps to ensure that US Open participants are not affected by the lack of access to coverage of their own matches. World No. 3 Danil Medvedev criticized the situation after being unable to follow the matches at Flushing Meadows:

"I don’t know if it’s legal or illegal, but I have to find a way because I cannot watch [the matches] on TV.

"I got internet - how do you call it? - pirate websites," former world No. 1 said.

"I watch tennis there. I have no other choice."

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World No. 6 Coco Gauff also revealed that she was unable to watch the matches and could only follow the scoreline.

“I’m not gonna get into that.. but we can’t watch ESPN at our hotel. I saw the scoreline. I didn’t see the match,” youngstar Coco Gauff said.

former player and current expert John McEnroe received a free subscription to ESPN+ to tune into the Grand Slam, after testing positive for Covid-19 last week and missing several first-round matches.

A spokesperson said of the 7-times Grand Slam champion: "He couldn't watch and was going crazy."

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daniil admitting he is one of us and is resorting to illegal streams to watch tennis 😭

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3:48 AM · Sep 5, 2023

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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