2023-06-08 15:08:14
Selfies and autographs galore. This is the image that Miyu Kato will retain of his Roland-Garros 2023, unforgettable in more ways than one and concluded this Thursday with a first Grand Slam title, in the mixed doubles table with his German partner Tim Puetz. The pair won the final disputed under a blazing sun on the Philippe-Chatrier court against Canadian Bianca Andreescu and New Zealander Michael Venus in a super tie-break (4-6, 6-4, 10-6).
A nice final bouquet for the 28-year-old Japanese, 410th in the WTA individual ranking. Not qualified for the ladies’ singles table, Miyu Kato was engaged in the ladies’ doubles with her Indonesian teammate Aldila Sutjiadi. Seeded number 16, the pair had advanced easily in the 3rd round. Until an opposition against the Czech-Spanish duo Marie Bouzkova – Sara Sorribes Tormo. The other unforgettable moment of the fortnight for Kato.
The scene took place on Sunday. After a point lost at the net, the Japanese sent the ball backhanded into her opponents’ camp. All in the direction of a pick-up. Except that the ball, too long, hit the girl’s cap, causing long tears. After a simple warning from the referee and an apology from Miyu Kato, the supervisor finally decided to disqualify the pair. This also meant a loss of results (and therefore points earned in the world rankings), as well as the loss of prize money.
“The last few days have been a real mental challenge”
A decision that appeared unfair to many observers, who found the attitude of the opposing pair deplorable. The Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo was notably targeted and judged as the real person responsible for the disqualification of the Japanese. “We did nothing wrong,” she defended herself. The rule is the rule”. Monday, Miyu Kato, very touched by this episode, could not answer at a press conference, bursting into tears before returning and being satisfied with a few answers in her mother tongue.
And the emotion is still present several days after the incident. This Thursday, after her victory in mixed doubles, the Japanese spoke on the center court, reading a text prepared the day before. “My English is not very good,” she smiles. Thank you to my partner, I am delighted to have shared this victory and thank you for your support. Thank you to my coach, thank you for always being by my side in difficult times (tears come to him). The last few days have been a real mental challenge for me”. “You got all the support you deserve. This title is your redemption, ”retorts his teammate Tim Puetz.
Finally, the Japanese, not particularly supported during her match, the public not necessarily being aware of the whole story, had a word for her opponents in the women’s doubles and the organization of the tournament. “I hope the ball boy is doing well,” says Miyu Kato. I hope to come back one day and play in the women’s doubles final. To Sara and Marie, my opponents, we hope that we will meet again to play a great match elsewhere. And, finally, at Roland-Garros, I hope for a positive outcome to regain my points and the prize money. Thank you so much “. This would make it possible to right an injustice.
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