Miyu Kato hands out special gift to ball girl after French Open controversy

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Miyu Kato met with the French Open ball girl that she unintentionally hit and handed her a special gift she bought for her. After Kato got disqualified over inadvertently hitting a ball girl during her French Open women's doubles round-of-16 match, it became one of the biggest stories of this year's French Open.

Later that night, Kato revealed that she was stripped of her prize money and that she would not be rewarded any doubles points. But Kato continued to compete in the French Open mixed doubles event as she and Tim Puetz ended up winning the title.

"I'm glad to hear that you are doing well and continue to Volunteer as a Ball Girl. It makes me very happy to hear this. I hope you enjoy the gift that I got you, and I look forward to seeing you again! Wishing you the Very Best!" Kato tweeted.

I'm glad to hear that you are doing well and continue to Volunteer as a Ball Girl. It makes me very happy to hear this. I hope you enjoy the gift that I got you, and I look forward to seeing you again! Wishing you the Very Best!

pic.twitter.com/EvCg6M8zSw — Miyu Kato / 加藤 未唯 (@miyukato1121) June 9, 2023

Tennis fans happy for Kato

After Kato was disqualified, many came to the Japanese's defense and argued that defaulting her was too much.

Fortunately for Kato, she was able to put everything behind her and continue her mixed doubles campaign. In the French Open mixed doubles final, Kato and Puetz defeated Bianca Andreescu and Michael Venus 4-6 6-4 10-6. “Congratulations to Bianca and Michael.

It was a great match. To my partner Tim, I’m so glad I have you. Thank you for always supporting me and cheering me up. To my coach, thank you for always being with me. It has been really challenging mentally after disqualification.

I want to thank everyone for the heartfelt messages of support. I was able to use all the positive energy so I could be here today. Thanks to Altdila and all the Indonesian fans. I’m doing my best so we can one day return and claim the women’s doubles final," Kato said during the on-court trophy ceremony.