Read the full story on SportsLook - Miyu Kato and Tim Puetz Claim French Open Mixed Doubles Title
What a week for Miyu Kato and her tennis-playing partners at the French Open: disappointment and delight, frustration and euphoria.
First, Kato was booted out of the women's doubles competition along with Indonesian partner Aldila Sutjiadi during a third-round match on Sunday, June 4 after Kato accidentally hit a ball girl in the neck with a ball at Roland Garros. Then, four days later, the Japanese player experienced pure joy.
Kato and Tim Puetz of Germany won the French Open mixed doubles title on Thursday, June 8 in Paris, rallying to beat Canada's Bianca Andreescu and New Zealand's Michael Venus 4-6, 6-4 (10-6).
It was the first Grand Slam title for both Kato and Peutz, both of whom are doubles specialists.
The highs and lows of the past few days were highlighted in Kato's post-victory remarks.
"It has been really challenging mentally for me in the past few days due to the unjust disqualification from the women's doubles," Kato said, according to BBC Sport. "To my coach (Adam Lownsbrough), I thank [you] for always being with me when I was having a hard time, [and] to Tim, I'm so glad to have you as a partner, I thank you for always supporting me and cheering me up. I want to thank also the players, coaches and everyone for the heartfelt messages of support."
She added, "I was able to use that positivity so I could be here."
Continue reading the full story on SportsLook.
Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and Twitter ＠ed_odeven.
