U.S. Open Victory Leads to Postponed Wedding for Lyudmyla Kichenok

Lyudmyla Kichenok, newly-crowned U.S. Open women's doubles champion, revealed she postponed her wedding to compete in the tournament's later stages. Engaged to Stas Khmarsky, Kichenok hoped to marry this week. Partner Jelena Ostapenko supported the decision, saying the major title was worth the delay.

Newly-crowned U.S. Open women's doubles champion Lyudmyla Kichenok revealed on Friday that her unexpected appearance in the latter stages of the Grand Slam forced her to postpone her wedding. Kichenok had planned to marry fellow Ukrainian and coach Stas Khmarsky this week.

"Also my boyfriend, could be husband actually because we were supposed to get married this Wednesday but it didn't happen," said Kichenok. "We had actually an appointment to get married this Wednesday but (had to postpone) just because I was playing in the semi-finals."

Former French Open singles champion Jelena Ostapenko, Kichenok's doubles partner, supported the decision, citing their chance at a major title as a valid reason. "It's a good excuse to postpone it a bit," Ostapenko stated. "And now, win a U.S. Open and go get married, I think it's pretty great."

(With inputs from agencies.)