Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Champion Sem Verbeek Says His “Heart Is Bleeding” Over US Open Format Change
Sem Verbeek, fresh off his Wimbledon mixed doubles victory alongside Katerina Siniakova, has expressed deep disappointment over a new US Open format that prevents the pair from competing together.
Verbeek and Siniakova clinched the title on Centre Court on Thursday, defeating Britain’s Joe Salisbury and Brazilian Luisa Stefani 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-3).
However, starting this year, the US Open will host its mixed doubles competition as a standalone event prior to the main tournament. The move is designed to attract top singles players by scheduling the event when they are less burdened by match commitments.
The revamped format has already drawn several high-profile pairings, including British No. 1 Emma Raducanu and two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.
But for most doubles specialists, the change means exclusion from the competition altogether.
“It’s unfortunate they’ve chosen this path,” said Czech player Siniakova, currently ranked world No. 1 in women’s doubles, in an interview with BBC Sport. “It feels like a marketing strategy, but it comes at the cost of opportunities for doubles players.”
Verbeek echoed her sentiments: “As two players who were excited to compete, it’s tough knowing we won’t get the chance. I won’t hope for it to fail—but as a doubles athlete, my heart is bleeding.”
He acknowledged one upside: “The change could give fans more access to top singles stars early in the tournament. But still, it’s hard to accept.”