Four days after receiving what she called a “unjust” disqualification for hitting a ball girl in the women’s competition, Japan’s Miyu Kato won the mixed doubles title at the French Open.

Bianca Andreescu of Canada and Michael Venus of New Zealand were defeated by Kato and Tim Puetz of Germany, 4-6, 6-4, and 10-6.

On Sunday, Kato and Aldila Sutjiadi of Indonesia were eliminated from the women’s doubles competition.

Puetz replied, “I hope this is atonement for what happened.

An emotional Kato read from a prepared statement, adding: “The unfair disqualification from the women’s doubles has truly tested my mental strength over the past several days.

“To my coach, I want to express my gratitude for constantly supporting me during difficult times. Tim, I’m so happy to have you as a partner and I appreciate all of your encouragement and support.

“I want to express my gratitude to the players, coaches, and everyone else for the sincere words of encouragement. I was able to employ that optimism to enable my presence here.

The incident occurred as Kato and Sutjiadi were losing 7-6 (7-1) 1-3 to the team of Czech Marie Bouzkova and Spanish player Sara Sorribes Tormo in the women’s doubles last-16 match on Sunday.

The ball girl was clearly upset after being smacked in the shoulder by a ball that Kato threw across the court.

The umpire first warned the 28-year-old player, but after objections from his rivals, Kato and Sutjiadi were dismissed. Kato was punished by having her prize money and ranking points taken away after she apologized to the ball girl.

“It was unfortunate we were disqualified, but I’m doing my best so we can return one day and claim the women’s doubles final,” Kato said after capturing her maiden Grand Slam championship in the mixed doubles final. I hope the ball girl is all OK.

“To Sara and Marie, my competitors in the women’s doubles, I wish to have a fantastic match with you both in the future.

Last but not least, I’d like to say to Roland Garros, “It’s unfortunate about the disqualification decision, but I’m looking for a successful outcome of my appeal so I can receive my points and prize money.”