Back to the Tennis Newsfeed

French Open 2023: Doubles team disqualified after Miyu Kato hits ball girl with ball

A women's doubles team was disqualified from the French Open after Japan's Miyu Kato hit a ball girl with a ball.

Between points, Kato sent a ball cross-court towards the ball girl, hitting her shoulder and leaving her visibly distressed.

Kato was initially given a warning by the umpire but after protests from opponents Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo, they were disqualified.

Kato left the court in tears, consoled by Indonesian partner Aldila Sutjiadi.

The Japanese-Indonesian team tried to plead their case to French Open officials on the court, saying it had been accidental, and Kato went over to the ball girl to apologise.