In an unexpected turn of events, Miyu Kato from Japan emerged as a French Open champion, just four days after her controversial disqualification from the women's doubles for inadvertently hitting a ball girl. Teaming up with her German partner Tim Puetz, Kato secured victory in the mixed doubles final at Roland Garros, defeating Bianca Andreescu and Michael Venus with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 10-6.
Addressing the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd, Kato acknowledged the mental challenges she faced in the past few days following her unjust disqualification. She expressed her gratitude to fellow players for their heartfelt messages of support and shared how she channeled that positive energy on the court during the final. She also mentioned her appeal, seeking a favorable outcome that would allow her to reclaim her prize money, points, and reputation.
Puetz, acknowledging the drama surrounding the default, expressed his hope that the title would serve as redemption for Kato. He emphasized that the support she received was well-deserved.
The disqualification incident occurred on Sunday when Kato, together with her Indonesian teammate Aldila Sutjiadi, accidentally hit a ballgirl with a gentle lob. Initially, they received only a warning from the chair umpire, but their opponents, Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo lodged a protest, prompting the tournament supervisor to review the incident once more. Consequently, Kato and Sutjiadi were disqualified, with Kato also having to forfeit her prize money.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Kato expressed her concern for the ballgirl, hoping she was okay, and expressed her desire to face Bouzkova and Sorribes Tormo again on the court.
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