Miyu Kato BLAMES Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo for unnecessarily escalating the issue that led to her default from the French Open

Setting the record straight, Miyu Kato responds to opponents' false claims during women's doubles match at French Open.

Miyu Kato BLAMES Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo for unnecessarily escalating the issue that led to her default from the French Open

Sara Sorribes Tormo and Miyu Kato (Image via Tennis365)

Miyu Kato was overjoyed after making it to the mixed doubles semi-finals of the 2023 French Open. Kato and her German partner Tim Pütz defeated the Brazilian pair of Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos in the quarter-finals at Court 14. Earlier on 4th June, Kato and her women’s doubles partner Aldila Sutjiadi were disqualified and lost the third round.

Miyu Kato with her partner Aldila Sutjiadi were up against Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo in the third round of the women’s doubles. In the second set, Miyu Kato accidentally hit a ball girl. The umpire initially gave her a warning.

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However, the chair umpire and supervisor overturned the ruling, resulting in their disqualification, and handed their opponents an automatic win. The opponents appeared to insist on the disqualification, which escalated the situation even further.

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Miyu Kato questioned her opponent’s bizarre claim and called her out. She even questioned the attitude of her opponents.

I don't know why my opponents, who had their backs to the fence, testified that she had been hit in the head & was bleeding. I don't understand the attitude of our opponents to escalate the situation.
Kato said.

Sara Sorribes Tormo was forced to reply to the escalating situation and the critics. She denied taking any responsibility.

We were saying that the ball kid was crying because we were scared (…) Then we were saying that the ball was direct because he didn’t see the ball. All the rest the decision was taken by the supervisor, and I think it’s not our thing or we haven’t done anything bad.
Sara Sorribes Tormo said.

The pair of Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo faced harsh criticism from tennis fans. Their actions of trying to influence the umpire’s decisions have infuriated the fans resulting in the pair being termed ‘cheaters’. Miyu Kato also questioned her opponents acting as witnesses even though their backs were turned to the fence.

Sara Sorribes Tormo and her partner tried to escalate the situation, saying that the ball girl was hit in the head and was bleeding. Kato also mentioned how the ball girl was seemingly hit a bit below the neck and she was holding her ribcage. Sorribes Tormo’s actions of aggravating the situation did not sit well with Kato.

Miyu Kato takes to social media, expresses heartfelt apologies

Miyu Kato
Miyu Kato (Image via The Japan Times)

Kato took to social media and expressed her heartfelt apologies towards her partner and the ball girl who was mistakenly hit. The disqualification meant that Kato and her doubles partner would lose the prize money too.

I would like to sincerely apologize to the Ball Girl, my partner Aldila & Team, & my supporters because of today's unfortunate mishap. It was completely unintentional. As a result, I am penalized by RG by forfeiting my prize money & points. I appreciate all your continued support!

The tennis world has been showing total support for Kato. The fans are pointing out that it was an awful call from the umpire. The French crowd also gave Kato a standing ovation during the mixed doubles match.

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