Disqualified Japanese tennis player Miyu Kato issued an apology Sunday night after a ball she hit between points struck a ball girl during a French Open women’s doubles third-round match.
The incident earlier in the day resulted in the disqualification of Kato and Indonesian partner Aldila Sutjiadi when they were up 3-1 in the second set after dropping the first 7-6(1) against Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic and Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo.
Japanese tennis player Miyu Kato (R) apologizes to a ball girl after she struck a ball to the opposite end of the court between points and accidentally hit the girl, leaving her in tears during a French Open women’s doubles third-round match in Paris on June 4, 2023. (Kyodo)
“I would like to sincerely apologize to the Ball Girl, my partner Aldila & team, & my supporters because of today’s unfortunate mishap,” Kato said in a Twitter post. “It was completely unintentional.”
“As a result, I am penalized by RG (Roland Garros) by forfeiting my prize money & points. I appreciate all your continued support!”
The ball, hit casually by Kato to the opposite end of the court between points, struck the ball girl and left her in tears.
The initial call from the chair was a warning before Bouzkova and Sorribes Tormo told the umpire that the ball girl was clearly distressed.
Japanese tennis player Miyu Kato (R) cries after she and Indonesian doubles partner Aldila Sutjiadi (L) were disqualified from the French Open in Paris on June 4, 2023. A ball hit by Kato between points accidentally struck a ball girl during a women’s doubles third-round match, leaving the girl in tears. (Kyodo)
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