The recent Wimbledon mixed doubles champions, Sem Verbeek and Katerina Siniakova, have voiced their disappointment over a significant change in the US Open's mixed doubles format. The duo, who triumphed at Wimbledon, will be unable to compete together at the US Open due to the new scheduling.

The New US Open Format

Starting this year, the US Open will hold its mixed doubles competition as a standalone event before the main tournament begins. This change aims to attract top singles players to participate, potentially increasing the event's appeal and viewership. However, this shift means that many doubles specialists, including Verbeek and Siniakova, will miss out on the opportunity to compete in the mixed doubles event.

Champions' Reactions

Sem Verbeek expressed his heartbreak over the decision, stating, "My heart is bleeding." He added, "As two athletes that would love to play it, it's a shame to obviously know that we can't." Despite his disappointment, Verbeek acknowledged the potential benefits of the new format, saying, "The positive I can think of is that there's going to be more people that can see the top single stars earlier in the tournament when they are maybe a bit more accessible to the public."

Katerina Siniakova, the world number one in women's doubles, also criticized the change, calling it a "marketing step" that takes away opportunities from doubles players. "It's a shame they decided to do it," she said. "I think it's a marketing step, but they are taking [away the] chance of doubles players."

The Wimbledon Victory

Verbeek and Siniakova secured their Wimbledon title with a hard-fought victory over Britain's Joe Salisbury and Brazilian partner Luisa Stefani. The match, played on Centre Court, ended with a 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-3) scoreline. The champions demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, particularly in the tie-breaks, where they managed to outplay their opponents.

Impact on Other Players

Joe Salisbury, who has yet to win a Wimbledon title, expressed his disappointment after the loss. Despite his impressive career, which includes victories at the French and US Opens in mixed doubles and multiple men's doubles titles, Wimbledon remains the elusive title for the 33-year-old British player.

Looking Ahead

As the tennis world adapts to the new US Open format, players like Verbeek and Siniakova will need to adjust their strategies and focus on other tournaments. While the change may bring new excitement to the US Open, it also raises questions about the future of doubles specialists in the sport.

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