Chris Evert ‘proud’ of Naomi Osaka for using her platform to promote racial equality

Chris Evert believes Naomi Osaka showed real courage to use her platform as the rising star of tennis to highlight the drive for racial equality.
Japanese superstar Osaka pulled out of her semi-final at the Western & Southern Open in protest at the “continued genocide of Black people at the hands of police” last month, with her stand creating headlines around the world.
‘She’s the greatest player that’s ever lived’ – Chris Evert on what happens next for Serena Williams
Osaka staged a one-day boycott in an effort to highlight the Black Lives Matter cause and went on to win the US Open a couple of weeks later, with her comments in the media on the issue of racism reaching a huge audience.
Now seven-time French Open champion and Eurosport analyst Evert has saluted her move to make a stand, as she admits she was surprised by her intervention.
“I was really proud of her,” declared Evert. “I was pleasantly surprised for somebody who always has been soft-spoken and who has never liked the attention and who never liked to be controversial, and never like to be in the limelight, I was like WOW, that’s a big statement.
“But she did it in a calm and her own Naomi calm, classy way and I think that it was very heartfelt. I think it was very genuine, and authentic from her, and very heartfelt.
“She’s getting more and more comfortable with all of you and with being in the limelight and all the attention she’s getting. She’s starting to realize that she could really make a difference in this world and that’s a great revelation when you realize that you can because you’re owning your power and you want to use it in the right way.
“I do hope other players follow her. I know Coco (Gauff) has done that, obviously Serena and Venus (Williams) have done that, and that really carries over from Billie-Jean King and Martina Navratilova. We have a big following as tennis players, and so we have a very important platform.”
Osaka wore face masks highlights police brutality against black people during her run to US Open glory and Evert believes it was an initiative that propelled her towards victory in New York.
“I think it was very authentic and I think that she used that because she wanted to wear those 7 masks during the tournament,” she reflected. “I really think it helped her to win the US Open.”
Chris Evert is a tennis expert for Eurosport. All courts and all matches from Roland-Garros will be live on Eurosport and Eurosport app throughout the tournament.
Follow Kevin Palmer on Twitter @RealKevinPalmer
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Cameron Norrie breaks new ground at home Grand Slam
Cameron Norrie defeated Steve Johnson 6-4 6-1 6-0 to make the last 16 at a grand slam for the first time.
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic not concerned about Covid-19 risk
Novak Djokovic is not worried about Covid-19.
-
Wimbledon
Mats Wilander backs Brit to make last eight at SW19
Heather Watson made a statement in her third round win.
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic set for fourth round clash with breakout grass prospect
Van Rijthoven’s rapid rise this summer continued, as he beat Nikoloz Basilashvili to the sound of ‘come on Tim’ at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Heather Watson banishes the ghost of her epic third round loss to Serena Williams
Watson is through to the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time in his career.
-
Wimbledon
How much John McEnroe earns from BBC commentary gig
John McEnroe walks away with a tidy sum for a fortnight of work.
-
Wimbledon
Ons Jabeur isn’t paid by the hour as she breezes into last 16
The world number two extended her winning streak on grass this summer to eight matches.
-
Tennis News
Heather Watson and Cameron Norrie flying the flag for Britain today at Wimbledon
Only four Brits remain.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz finding his feet at SW19 to threaten Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal
He’s becoming a bigger danger to the ‘more experienced.’
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios punished for spitting at fan in Wimbledon crowd
Bad boy Kyrgios handed yet another fine.