The 2026 French Open men's final between Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli can be watched for free via 9Now in Australia and France TV in France, according to TechRadar. The match starts at 9am ET / 2pm BST / 11pm AEST, and a VPN such as NordVPN allows viewers outside those countries to access the streams as if they were at home.
Match Context and Player Profiles
TechRadar reported that Zverev defeated No. 26 seed Jakub Mensik in the semifinals in four sets, while Cobolli advanced after Matteo Arnaldi withdrew due to a viral illness. With the absence of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic's early exit, TechRadar described this as Zverev's greatest chance to win his first Grand Slam. Zverev holds a 3-1 record against the 24-year-old Cobolli.
Free Streaming Platforms
TechRadar listed the following free streaming platforms for the men's final:
- Australia: 9Now
- France: France TV
- Switzerland: RSI / SRF
- Austria: ServusTV
- Belgium: RTBF
These platforms provide English-language coverage (9Now) and local coverage. Viewers traveling outside these countries can use a VPN to appear as if they are in the home country.
Using a VPN to Unlock Streams
TechRadar recommended NordVPN, calling it the best VPN and noting it offers up to 75% off with three extra months free. The process: install NordVPN, select a location (e.g., Perth for 9Now), then head to the streaming site. TechRadar stated, "Not having a VPN is like leaving your front door wide open in a busy city."
Device Compatibility
TechRadar provided a list of devices that support 9Now:
| Device Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Amazon Fire TV | Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube |
| Android devices | Phones, tablets (OS 5+), Android TV |
| Apple devices | iPhones, iPads (iOS 12+), Apple TV 4K/HD |
| Chromecast | With Google TV |
| Streaming devices | Roku (multiple models), Fetch TV (Gen 3+), Foxtel iQ, Freeview |
| Smart TVs | LG (webOS 4+), Hisense, Samsung (2018+ for France TV) |
| Web browsers | Chrome, Firefox, Safari (latest two versions) |
France TV is available on Samsung Smart TVs (2018 model+), LG Smart TVs (2021+), and connected devices.
Implications for International Business Travelers
For trade executives and logistics professionals frequently traveling across borders, this VPN-enabled free streaming provides a reliable way to watch the final without subscription fees. The ability to access 9Now or France TV from the US, UK, or Canada – as noted by TechRadar – means no pay-per-view charges are required, reducing entertainment costs during business trips.
TechRadar's advice applies to any device listed above, allowing travelers to plan ahead and install the VPN before departure. The start time of 11pm AEST (Australia) may require scheduling, but the free access eliminates the need for local cable subscriptions.
What to watch: Viewers should confirm their VPN works with 9Now or France TV on the day of the match, as streaming platforms may update geo-blocking measures.
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