NAOMI OSAKA OPTS TO PLAY SEMI-FINAL MATCH AFTER CONSULTATION

Japan’s Naomi Osaka has opted to play the semi-final match at the Western and Southern Open in New York. The two time grand slam winner had withdrawn from the tournament in protest over the shooting of Jacob Blake, an African-American in Wisconsin last week.

The event organisers suspended play for Thursday match in solidarity with athletes from other sports, especially in United States. The protest has led to postponement of Three NBA play-offs games, three Baseball matches, three WNBA fixtures and five Major League Soccer games.

The 22 year-old will now play Belgian Elise Mertens in the semi-final, Friday.

Naomi, World highest paid female athlete said after consultation, “As you know, I pulled out of the tournament yesterday in support of racial injustice and continued police violence. I was (and am) ready and prepared to concede the match to my opponent,”

Osaka, US Open Champion in 2018, added, “However, after my announcement and lengthy consultation with the WTA and USTA, I have agreed at their request to play on Friday. They offered to postpone all matches until Friday and in my mind that brings more attention to the movement. I want to thank the WTA and the Tournament for their support.”

Meanwhile, in a joint statement, the USTA, ATP Tour and WTA said, “As a sport, tennis is collectively taking a stance against racial inequality and social injustice that once again has been thrust to the forefront in the United States.