Joining the leads of NBA, WNBA, and MLB players who refused to play their games today in protest of the shooting of Jacob Blake, Naomi Osaka, one of the top draws in women's professional tennis, announced she would not play her semi-final match on Thursday at the Western & Southern Open in New York City.
Photo Credit: Rob Prange, (https://www.flickr.com/photos/186414198@N07/49384180057)
Osaka, formerly ranked no. 1 in the world and currently no. 10, made her announcement on Twitter shortly after winning her quarterfinal match today.
She explained, "As a black woman I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention, rather than watching me play tennis. I don't expect anything drastic to happen with me not playing, but if I can get the conversation started in a majority white sport I consider that a step in the right direction. Watching the continued genocide of Black people at the hand of the police is honestly making me sick to my stomach."
As a result of her action, officials from USTA, the WTA, and the ATP announced that all of Thursday's matches will be postponed until Friday.
In a joint statement, they 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. The USTA, ATP tour, and WTA have decided to recognize this moment in time by pausing tournament play."
Speculation has begun as to whether Osaka will change her mind and play Friday following this postponement. Additionally, the delay may impact the start of the U.S. Open, which was scheduled to be held in the same facility starting on Monday.
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