The mixed doubles came to a fitting conclusion at Wimbledon on Thursday night, a healthy crowd staying late on Centre Court to watch a dramatic final, with Britain’s Joe Salisbury falling agonisingly short of a first Wimbledon title as he and Brazil’s Luisa Stefani went down 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3) to Czech Katerina Siniakova and Sam Verbeek of the Netherlands. It was a first mixed slam title for Siniakova and her 11th in all while Verbeek picked up his maiden major.
But as the celebrations and commiserations began, thoughts turned quickly to the US Open, where, unless there are some late changes to the rules, none of the four finalists will even be in the field. For the first time, the mixed doubles will be played over two days in the week before the main draws begin in New York, the week usually reserved for qualifying. With $1m on offer to the winners and just 16 pairs, the top eight pairs by combined singles rankings will gain acceptance and the remaining eight pairs will be determined by wildcards.
