PARIS (AP) — Miyu Kato left behind the disappointment of her controversial disqualification in doubles by claiming the mixed doubles title at 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 player from Japan, and her women's doubles partner were defaulted during their third-round match last week after Kato
accidentally hit a ball girl in the neck after a point.
Kato also forfeited all of her 21,500 euros (about $23,000) in prize money and rankings points from women's doubles but was allowed to keep participating in mixed doubles.
"It has been really challenging for me for the past few days," Kato said. "I want to thank all the players, coaches, everyone for their heartfelt messages of support."
