(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Sara Sorribes Tormo has issued a response following a backlash she and Marie Bouzkova received after a French Open doubles match. On Sunday, Sorribes Tormo and Bouzkova played against Miyu Kato and Aldila Sutjiadi in the French Open round-of-16.
After Kato accidentally hit a ball girl, she and her doubles partner were given a warning. But Sorribes Tormo and Bouzkova went to the chair umpire to tell him that the ball girl was crying. The supervisor was then called and what was initially a warning, ended up being a disqualification for Kato and Sutjiadi.
Many fans were angered at Sorribes and Bouzkova, alleging that they went to the chair umpire with the intent to have Kato and Sutjiadi defaulted. Also, fans were angered at seeing Sorribes Tormo and Bouzkova smiling when the tournament officials appeared to agree on a default for Kato and Sutjiadi.
They even laugh and enjoying it! Really disgusting! 𤮠pic.twitter.com/sGe6kdbAdC — Vito Tjahyadi (@vitotjahyadi) June 4, 2023
“We were saying that the ball kid was crying because we were scared.
And that the ball was direct because he didn’t see it. All the rest — the decision was taken by the supervisor & I think we haven’t done anything bad. That’s the only thing I’m going to say,”
Sorribes Tormo said, via Gaspar Ribeiro Lanca.
Sorribes Tormo: “We were saying that the ball kid was crying because we were scared. And that the ball was direct because he didn’t see it. All the rest — the decision was taken by the supervisor & I think we haven’t done anything bad.
That’s the only thing I’m going to say.” — Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) June 5, 2023
Sorribes Tormo admitted that it was tough seeing certain comments directed at her and Bouzkova. “First of all, it’s a very bad situation that happened yesterday.
Also for Marie and for me, it’s tough to see what people are saying. The only thing we did yesterday was going to the referee and explain him what happened,”
Sorribes Tormo added.
Sara Sorribes Tormo in the press conference today: “First of all, it’s a very bad situation that happened yesterday.
Also for Marie and for me, it’s tough to see what people are saying. The only thing we did yesterday was going to the referee and explain him what happened.” — Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) June 5, 2023
Meanwhile, Kato revealed on Sunday night that she was penalized by the French Open.
“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!” Kato tweeted.
