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Miyu Kato got over the sadness of being disqualified from a doubles match in a controversial way by winning the mixed doubles title at the French Open on Thursday.
The pair beat 2019 US Open singles champion Bianca Andreescu of Canada and 2019 US Open doubles winner Michael Venus of New Zealand 4-6, 6-4, 10-6.
Kato, who is from Japan and is 28 years old, accidentally hit a ball girl in the neck after a point during her third-round match with her pairs partner last week.
Kato also lost 21,500 euros (about $23,000) in prize money and rating points from women’s doubles, but she was allowed to keep playing in mixed doubles.
“The last few days have been hard for me,” Kato said. “I want to thank all the players, coaches, and everyone for their kind messages of support.”
Roland Garros was the first time Kato and Puetz played together.
“Miyu, it’s crazy what’s happened in the last 10 days,” Puetz said. “I hope this information helps you. I’m overjoyed to win.”
Both Puetz and Kato had never lost a set before the final, so this was their first mixed doubles championship.
