Defaulted in doubles, Miyu Kato strikes again with blended doubles title at French Open

Miyu Kato left behind the frustration of her controversial disqualification in doubles by claiming the blended doubles title on the French Open on Thursday.

Playing with Tim Puetz of Germany, the pair defeated 2019 U.S. Open singles champion Bianca Andreescu of Canada and Michael Venus of New Zealand 4-6, 6-4, 10-6.

Kato, a 28-year-old participant from Japan, and her ladies’s doubles associate have been defaulted throughout their third-round match final week after Kato by accident hit a ball lady within the neck after a degree.

Kato additionally forfeited all of her 21,500 euros (about $23,000) in prize cash and rankings factors from ladies’s doubles however was allowed to maintain collaborating in blended doubles.

“It has been really challenging for me for the past few days,” Kato stated. “I want to thank all the players, coaches, everyone for their heartfelt messages of support.”

Kato and Puetz performed for the primary time collectively at Roland Garros.

“Miyu, it is unbelievable what has happened in the past 10 days,” Puetz stated. “I hope this helps you. I am very, very happy to win.”

The win marked the primary blended doubles title for each Puetz and Kato, who had not conceded a set earlier than the ultimate.