Miyu Kato reveals harsh punishment handed by French Open after doubles incident

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Miyu Kato revealed that the French Open organizers stripped her of her money and points earned at Roland Garros following an incident during a doubles match. On Sunday, Kato and Aldila Sutjiadi took on Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo in the French Open women's doubles round-of-16.

After losing the first set, Kato and Sutjiadi had a 3-1 lead in the second set and the score in the fifth game was 30-30 when Kato accidentally hit a ball girl. Kato was initially given a warning but then Bouzkova and Sorrives Tormo approached the chair umpire to highlight the fact that the ball girl was crying.

The chair umpire then gave it a second thought - the supervisor was called - it resulted in Kato and Sutjiadi being defaulted from the match. "I would like to sincerely apologize to the Ball Girl, my partner Aldila&Team, & my supporters because of today's unfortunate mishap.

It was completely unintentional. As a result, I am penalized by RG by forfeiting my prize money & points. I appreciate all your continued support!" Kato tweeted.

I would like to sincerely apologize to the Ball Girl, my partner Aldila&Team, & my supporters because of today's unfortunate mishap.

It was completely unintentional.
As a result, I am penalized by RG by forfeiting my prize money & points. I appreciate all your continued support! — Miyu Kato / 加藤 未唯 (@miyukato1121) June 4, 2023

Alize Cornet, others come to Kato's defense

Bouzkova and Sorribes Tormo drew a backlash after the match as many thought that they went to the chair umpire with the intention to force a Kato and Sutjiadi default.

After Kato revealed the fine she received, former world No 11 Cornet sent a message of support to the Japanese. "Insane decision. I really feel sorry for you, but a lot of players (except Marie and Sara obviously) are supporting you," Cornet tweeted.

Insane decision. I really feel sorry for you 😔 but a lot of players (except Marie and Sara obviously) are supporting you ✊️ — Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) June 4, 2023

Paul McNamee, a former Australian Open tournament director, also threw his support at Kato.

"Madam, you are acting with empathy and grace, but I believe you have nothing to apologise for. I am sad that your opportunity to advance further has been taken away," McNamee tweeted.

Madam, you are acting with empathy and grace, but I believe you have nothing to apologise for.

I am sad that your opportunity to advance further has been taken away. — 🎗️ Paul McNamee (@PaulFMcNamee) June 4, 2023

After being defaulted from the match, Kato looked absolutely devastated.