“It was completely unintentional. I would like to sincerely apologize to the ballgirl, my partner, team & my supporters” – Miyu Kato after doubles default

The doubles disqualification continued to be the hot topic on tennis circles on Monday with players such as Kyrgios, Cornet and Watson all weighing in with their opinions

Miyu Kato at 2023 Roland-Garros

Haresh Ramchandani

June 5, 2023

Japan’s Miyu Kato, who accidentally hit a ball girl during her women’s doubles match at Roland-Garros on Sunday following which her team was defaulted, has apologised for the incident to the ball girl, her partner Aldila Sutjiadi and her team in a social media post.

Kato, who has since been fined for the act, posted a tweet on Sunday night in which she said, “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!!”

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

Kyrgios, Cornet weigh in on Miyu Kato default

The default, which sent the team of Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova into the quarter-finals, continued to remain a major talking point in tennis circles with some players, including Frenchwoman Alize Cornet and Britain’s Heather Watson, supporting Kato while others, such as Nick Kyrgios, stating it was a question of following the rules.

Cornet, a veteran of 19 French Opens, posted a tweet calling the decision to default the Japanese-Indonesian pair as “insane”

“Insane decision. I really feel sorry for you but a lot of players (except Marie and Sara obviously) are supporting you.”

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

Head high Miyu, unfortunate incident, awful call from the referees and even worse from your opponents.
— Bruno Soares (@BrunoSoares82) June 4, 2023

No need to apologize. You have to appeal with the ITF. Even if (when) you win the case it’s not the thing you wanted. You worked hard to be out there on court and I’m sorry that that opportunity was taken from you and your partner. But stay positive and all the best 🙏🏽🙏🏽
— sascha Bajin (@BigSascha) June 4, 2023

No apology needed, it is plain to see it was a accident, and nothing was done intentionally or out of anger. Simple as that. You didn’t deserve this harsh punishment. Sending hugs!! 💕 @miyukato1121
— Heather Watson (@HeatherWatson92) June 4, 2023

Kyrgios, who is sitting out the French Open due to injury and plans to return on grass, was among those who thought the rule in such a case called for the pair to be defaulted.

“All around the world, whether it be having people chanting your name, idolising you, getting booed at, it’s always going to be a factor in sport. Why are we having so many people complain about it? Also, it’s not about the intent, if you a hit a ball at a kid it’s a default.” the Australian tweeted.

all around the world, whether it be having people chanting your name, idolising you, getting booed at, it’s always going to be a factor in sport. Why are we having so many people complain about it? Also, it’s not about the intent, if you a hit a ball at a kid it’s a default. 😴
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 5, 2023