French Open Mixed Doubles champion loses appeal after being defaulted for hitting ball girl
Miyu Kato claimed the Mixed Doubles title at the French Open, after being defaulted in the Women's Doubles event.
Follow Us
Miyo Kato
Japanese tennis player Miyu Kato has been through emotional turmoil in the past couple of weeks. After being defaulted in the Women’s Doubles event at the 2023 French Open, the Japanese went on to claim the Mixed Doubles title with partner Tim Putz.
Miyu Kato was found guilty of hitting a ball girl while returning the ball, which sent the girl into tears. She was defaulted for her actions, however, she was able to keep her place in the Mixed Doubles event. During their Women’s Doubles encounter against Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova, the 28-year-old returned the ball to the other side of the court.
The ball struck the girl, who was not looking at what was coming towards her. She was let off with a warning first, however, their opponents insisted that this act warranted a default according to the rules. Now, Miyo Kato has lost the appeal, which means she will not be able to receive the prize money and ranking points in the Women’s Doubles event.
Miyo Kato claims disqualification from the 2023 French Open was ‘unfair’
Miyo Kato was defeated in the first round of the Libema Open in both the Singles and the Doubles Events. The Japanese revealed that she had lost the appeal, as she continues to turn her attention away from the event.
“My first match on grass didn’t go as expected. The French Open (Roland Garros) fined me as well as rejecting my appeal for getting my prize money and points so all I can do is to keep looking forwards,” she tweeted.
After her Mixed Doubles victory at the French Open, Miyo Kato stated that her disqualification was unjust and that she was going through emotional turmoil. She hopes to return to the event again next year, and win the Women’s Doubles title.
“It has been very challenging mentally for me the past few days due to the unjust disqualification from the women’s doubles. I want to thank all the players, coaches and everyone for the heartfelt messages of support,” she said in a speech she had prepared,” she said.
“I was able to use all the positive energy to move forward so I could be here today. Thanks to my women’s doubles partner, Aldila, her team and all the fans. It’s unfortunate we were disqualified but I’m doing my best so we can return one day and win the women’s doubles final,” she added.
Miyo Kato and Tim Putz defeated Bianca Andreescu and Michael Venus in the finals in three sets. The Japanese-German pair held their nerve in the final set super tiebreaker, as they came back from a set down to claim the title.
In Case You Missed It:
- Nick Kyrgios has a ‘NBA-like uneducated approach of playing’ claims Stefanos Tsitsipas renewing his rivalry with the Aussie
- Nick Kyrgios admits to contemplating suicide, opens up on how he ended up in a psychiatric ward
Stay Updated!
Nirmit Mehta
(2425 Articles Published)