Naomi Osaka Takes U-Flip, Will Play WTA Semi-Finals On Friday | Tennis Information

Japan’s Naomi Osaka reversed her resolution to withdraw from the WTA Western & Southern Open semi-finals on Thursday, saying she is going to now play the match that has been rearranged for Friday. The 2-time Grand Slam champion mentioned 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. Nonetheless, after WTA and ATP chiefs introduced a suspension of play on the match following anger over Blake’s taking pictures, Osaka mentioned she has now modified her thoughts.

“As you already know, I pulled out of the match yesterday in help of racial injustice and continued police violence,” Osaka mentioned 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.

“Nonetheless, 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 match for his or her help.”

In her assertion on Wednesday, Osaka had mentioned 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 rather more necessary issues at hand that want speedy consideration, reasonably than watching me play tennis,” Osaka mentioned.

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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 {that a} step in the fitting 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.