Play paused at Cincy as ‘tennis is collectively taking a stand against racial inequality and social injustice’
There will be no tennis at the Western & Southern Open on Thursday as the sport is “collectively taking a stance against racial inequality and social injustice”.
The move comes after two-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka withdrew from the tournament following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in the United States.
Blake, an unarmed black man, was shot seven times in the back by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, as he leaned into his car with three of his children inside.
Blake survived and is recovering in hospital, but Osaka withdrew from her semi-final saying “as a black woman I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention”.
Soon after organisers of the Cincinnati tournament announced that play will be paused on Thursday.
— Western & Southern Open (@CincyTennis) August 27, 2020
“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 recognise this moment in time by pausing tournament play at the Western & Southern Open on Thursday, August 27. Play will resume on Friday, August 28.”
As a result, Thursday’s semi-final between Johanna Konta and Victoria Azarenka on the WTA side and the ATP last-four clashes featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas against Milos Raonic, and Novak Djokovic versus Roberto Bautista Agut have been moved to Friday.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”