Naomi Osaka: “I’ve agreed to play the semis on Friday

Osaka has opted to feature in the Western and Southern Open semifnal against Elise Mertens after she withdrew from the tournament due to ongoing protests over the shooting of African-American Jacob Blake in Wisconsin last week.

 

“As you know, I pulled out of the tournament yesterday in support of racial injustice and continued police violence. I was ready and prepared to concede the match to my opponent. However, after my announcement and lengthy consultation with the WTA and USTA, I have agreed at their request to play on Friday,” Osaka said in a statement.

 

The 2018 US Open champion said that she became a black woman before an athlete and feel that matters like this needed immediate attention rather than watching and playing tennis.

 

The semifinals will now be played on Friday. The 22-year old Japanese will be facing Belgian ace, Elsie Mertens in the last four.