Redemption for Miyu Kato as she wins French Open mixed doubles title

<p>Revenge is a dish best-served cold... just ask Japanese tennis star Miyu Kato.</p>

<p>Kato and partner Aldila Sutjiadi were defaulted during their third-round women's doubles match on Sunday&nbsp;against Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo after Kato unintentionally hit a ball girl while passing a ball to the other end of the court.</p>

<p>It unexpectedly became one of the biggest stories of the tournament, with players and coaches past and present criticising the decision as too harsh.</p>

<p>Kato was at least allowed to continue in the mixed with German partner Tim Puetz, and they ensured a happy ending to the tournament by beating Bianca Andreescu and Michael Venus 4-6 6-4 (10-6) in the final, with both claiming a first grand slam title.</p>

<p>Kato had been too upset to speak about the disqualification in English but prepared a speech to read out on court.</p>

<p>Instead of the usual platitudes, the 28-year-old fought back tears as she said: "It has been really challenging mentally for me the past few days due to the unjust disqualification from the women's doubles.</p>

<p>"I want to thank the players and coaches for all the heartfelt support. I was able to use all the positive energy to move forward so I could be here today.</p>

<p>"It was unfortunate that we were disqualified but I'm doing my best so we can return one day and claim the women's doubles final. Hopefully the ball girl is OK.</p>

<p>"Lastly, to Roland Garros, it is unfortunate for the disqualification situation but I'm looking forward to a positive result of my appeal so I can claim my points and prize money."</p>

<p>Being defaulted from a tournament normally means forfeiting the ranking points and prize money you have earned but Kato is hoping the nature of the offence means that will be overturned.</p>

<p>The umpire initially only gave the Japanese player a warning but, with Bouzkova and Sorribes Tormo drawing attention to the crying ball girl, the supervisor and referee were called to the court and eventually decided a default was merited.</p>

<p>Neither had seen the incident and Kato was unhappy with Bouzkova and Sorribes Tormo's role, saying in Japanese: "What I can't swallow is that at first the chair umpire gave me warning, but then our opponents said that he had made a mistake.</p>

<p>"The opponent made a big appeal, and then the referee came down and overturned the decision. My opponent probably didn't see where I hit her."</p>

<p>Kato thanked Puetz for being a key support, and the German was delighted to help her create more positive memories of the tournament.</p>

<p>"Miyu, unbelievable what has happened the last 10 days," he said. "I hope this helps you. I'm very happy to win even without all the drama.</p>

<p>"I hope this is somewhat redemption with everything that has happened. We saw you get so much support from everywhere and I think it's well deserved."</p>

<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/tennis/news/redemption-miyu-kato-wins-french-open-mixed-doubles-title">Redemption for Miyu Kato as she wins French Open mixed doubles title </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>