Japan’s Naomi Osaka reversed her choice to withdraw from the WTA Western & Southern Open semi-finals on Thursday, saying she’s going to now play the match that has been rearranged for Friday. The 2-time Grand Slam champion stated in a press release on Wednesday that she had pulled out of her last-four conflict with Belgium’s Elise Mertens in protest on the police taking pictures of black man Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. Nevertheless, after WTA and ATP chiefs introduced a suspension of play on the event following anger over Blake’s taking pictures, Osaka stated she has now modified her thoughts.
“As you already know, I pulled out of the event yesterday in assist of racial injustice and continued police violence,” Osaka stated in a press release first reported by Britain’s The Guardian and The New York Occasions.
“I used to be (and am) prepared and ready to concede the match to my opponent.
“Nevertheless, after my announcement and prolonged session with the WTA and USTA, I’ve agreed at their request to play on Friday.
“They provided to postpone all matches till Friday and in my thoughts that brings extra consideration to the motion.
“I need to thank the WTA and the event for his or her assist.”
In her assertion on Wednesday, Osaka had stated she was not able to play tennis following the Blake taking pictures.
“Earlier than I’m an athlete, I’m a black lady. And as a black lady I really feel as if there are way more essential issues at hand that want fast consideration, somewhat than watching me play tennis,” Osaka stated.
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“I do not anticipate something drastic to occur with me not taking part in, but when I can get a dialog began in a majority white sport I take into account step in the precise course.”
Her transfer camed after the Milwaukee Bucks boycotted their NBA playoff sport over the taking pictures, forcing the league to halt Wednesday’s schedule of postseason fixtures.
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