Sat Sep 07 05:50:25 UTC 2024: ## US Open Doubles Champion Lyudmyla Kichenok Postpones Wedding for Title Run
New York, NY – Lyudmyla Kichenok, newly crowned US Open women’s doubles champion, revealed a heartwarming story behind her victory. The Ukrainian tennis star had planned to marry her fiancé, fellow Ukrainian Stas Khmarsky, this week but was forced to postpone the ceremony due to her unexpected success in the tournament.
Kichenok, who is engaged to the coach of her doubles partner Jelena Ostapenko, expressed her gratitude to Khmarsky during her on-court trophy presentation at Arthur Ashe Stadium. “Also, my boyfriend, could be husband actually because we were supposed to get married this Wednesday but it didn’t happen,” Kichenok said. “We had actually an appointment to get married this Wednesday but (had to postpone) just because I was playing in the semi-finals.”
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as Kichenok explained the postponement, highlighting the unique dilemma of choosing between a wedding and a Grand Slam championship. “It’s a good excuse to postpone it a bit,” Ostapenko quipped. “And now, win a US Open and go get married, I think it’s pretty great.”
Kichenok and Ostapenko, who previously won the French Open singles title, dominated the US Open doubles tournament, dropping no sets en route to their first Grand Slam doubles title as a team.
The story of Kichenok’s postponed wedding and her subsequent championship win serves as a testament to her dedication and love for the sport. It also highlights the unexpected twists and turns that can occur in the life of an athlete, adding a unique layer of emotion to her victory.
First Piper 