USTA scores extension with Japanese rights partner

The United States Tennis Association has extended its long-term rights deal with Japanese pay-television broadcaster Wowow.

The agreement will run for five years, through to the 2021 edition of the US Open grand slam.

Wowow will continue to broadcast live coverage of the tournament, with the broadcaster having shown the event in Japan since 1991.

Last year, Wowow offered nearly 200 hours of television coverage and additional live streaming of the tournament.

The deal comes after Wowow extended a rights partnership in October with the Tennis Australia national governing body until 2021. The deal included coverage of the Australian Open, the first grand slam of the year.