French Open
The German tennis player Tim Pütz surprisingly won the mixed title at the French Open with his Japanese partner Miyu Kato. The duo prevailed on Thursday in the final 4:6 6:4 10:6 against Michael Venus from New Zealand and Bianca Andreescu from Canada. The duo only decided to start together in mixed doubles shortly before the registration deadline.
With their respective partners, they lacked the necessary ranking points when registering for the tournament. It was great satisfaction for Kato after being disqualified in women’s doubles, unjustly for many fans. She had clearly hit a ball girl with a ball unintentionally and without anger. This had caused a great deal of controversy because Kato had initially received a warning. This was hotly debated on social media.
“A lot of people have said, ‘That was the worst disqualification they’ve ever seen. That was a shock, but more because it just happened and not because it was my mixed partner,” Pütz said before the final. Kato also addressed this at the award ceremony. “I am so happy that you have always supported me and encouraged me. It was mentally very challenging for me,” she said to Pütz.
“Miyu, it’s unbelievable what has happened in the last ten days. I hope that helps you, ”said Pütz to his playing partner in his speech on the Philippe-Chatrier court. “I’m very happy to win – even without the drama. I hope this makes amends for what happened to you.”
The Japanese hopes to at least get the world ranking points and the prize money from the women’s doubles. This was taken away from her in the course of the disqualification.