Roland-Garros 2023: after her disqualification from women's doubles, Miyu Kato titled in mixed doubles

Japan’s Miyu Kato turned the page on her disqualification in women’s doubles at Roland-Garros by winning the mixed doubles crown with Germany’s Tim Puetz on Thursday. The pair beat Canadian Bianca Andreescu and New Zealander Michael Venus 4-6 6-4 (10-6) in the final on Court Philippe Chatrier. Kato and her Indonesian partner Aldila Sutjiadi had been disqualified from the women’s doubles competition in the third round earlier in the week against Czech Marie Bouzkova and Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo a few days earlier. Kato hit a ball on the court between the points, unintentionally hitting a ballboy. Chair umpire Alexandre Juge gave Kato a warning, but Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo pointed out that the ballboy was crying. After talking to the girl, the referee got back in his chair and announced the disqualification of Kato and Sutjiadi, leaving the Japanese player in tears. Kato, later said on Twitter that she had in addition to her disqualification lost her prize money and points for the women’s doubles competition, received a lot of support from her fellow players. “It was difficult mentally after the disqualification. I want to thank everyone for the heartfelt messages of support,” Kato said in the speech she had prepared after the final. “I was able to use all the positive energy to be here today. Thanks to Aldila and all the Indonesian fans. I will do my best so that one day we can come back and win the title in women’s doubles. “My disqualification is regrettable, I hope my appeal will lead to a positive result. This way, I will be able to receive my points and my money”, she concluded. For its part, the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), declared that the disqualification of Kato and Sutjiadi was “unjustifiable, disproportionate and unfair”. .