"My Heart Bleeds," Verbeek and Siniakova, Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Champions, Criticize US Open's New Format

The Wimbledon mixed doubles tournament saw the pair of Sem Verbeek and Katerina Siniakova claim the title over Joe Salisbury and Luisa Stefani (7-6, 7-6).

However, the duo won’t be able to chase a second consecutive Major title, as the US Open has announced a new mixed doubles format—one where singles stars will almost exclusively compete for the trophy.

The winning pair of the final will take home a $1 million check. A decision made in recent weeks that clearly doesn’t sit well with today’s champions.

"It’s a shame they made such a decision. It’s definitely a marketing move, but they’re taking away the opportunity for doubles players to compete," Czech player Siniakova, an excellent doubles specialist and currently ranked 81st in WTA singles, told the BBC. Her tournament partner, Verbeek, shared her sentiment.

"As athletes who would have loved to participate, it’s a shame to think it won’t be possible. Still, I won’t go as far as hoping the new format fails.

"The positive I see for the US Open is that more people will get to watch the top singles players earlier in the tournament, and they might be more accessible than during the main draw matches.

"But, with Katerina (Siniakova), we’re doubles players, and personally, my heart bleeds," concluded the Dutchman shortly after winning the London Grand Slam.