Wimbledon star shows class on Centre Court after tennis ace suddenly retired at 28

Wimbledon champion Sem Verbeek showed his class with a selfless act just minutes after picking up his first-ever Grand Slam title. Verbeek picked up the mixed doubles crown on Thursday evening alongside partner Katerina Siniakova, defeating Joe Salisbury and Luisa Stefani in the process.

Despite taking the victory in straight sets, Verbeek and Siniakova needed two tiebreakers to come past the British and Brazilian pair. But it was his tribute to countryman Tim van Rijthoven that made the hairs on the back of necks inside a packed Centre Court stand up.

Van Rijthoven announced his retirement aged just 28 years old this week to the surprise of many in the tennis world, with injuries having taken their toll. Commenting after he and partner Siniakova took the title, Verbeek said: "I just want to give one special shoutout to a Dutch tennis player that announced his retirement this week.

"I know he has a lot of great memories on this court as well. I'm talking about Tim van Rijthoven. So I'd just like to join you guys in a round of applause for him as an appreciation for what he's done. Tim, best of luck with what comes next. We've all really enjoyed having you on court. Thanks for being an inspiration, at least to me but I also know to Dutch tennis. Good luck with whatever comes next!"

The 31-year-old remained emotional throughout his speech and on his achievement, said: "It's been an honour and a pleasure to compete next to such a great doubles legend, one of the best to ever do it. Thank you for making this a Thursday that I will remember for the rest of my life."

Siniakova herself added: "It's very special. It means a lot. We had a lot of fun on the court. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for playing with me, Sem. It was really an amazing time here. To be back on the Centre Court with this atmosphere, it's always amazing. I'm just really happy I could be here again."

Siniakova currently sits at the top of the WTA Tour rankings for doubles, having established herself as somewhat of a whizz in the two-person format. This year's Wimbledon triumph is her first-ever mixed Slam, having already secured the Career Slam at women's level. What's more, Siniakova is also an Olympic gold medal winner in the women's doubles and mixed doubles event.