All’s well that ends well: Kato gives gift to ball girl

All’s well that ends well. New Roland-Garros mixed doubles champion Miyu Kato met up with the ball girl she accidentally struck during her women’s doubles campaign, leading to her default – and gave her a gift.

The two posed for a photo, both beaming, and Kato later wrote on social media: “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!”

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

Kato and doubles partner Aldila Sutjiadi were defaulted during their third-round match against Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova. The umpire had initially given Kato a warning, but after her opponents protested and pointed out that the ball girl was crying, and more officials were called to court, the decision was upgraded.

Although Kato lost her prize money and ranking points for the women’s doubles, she was allowed to continue in the mixed doubles, winning the title with partner Tim Puetz against Bianca Andreescu and Michael Venus on Thursday.

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