Naomi Osaka agrees to play in Cincinnati semi-final, but insists ‘I was ready to concede the match’

Naomi Osaka will take to the court for her Western & Southern Open semi-final on Friday after “lengthy consultation with the WTA and USTA”.
The two-time Grand Slam winner on Wednesday announced that she is taking a stand against racism, social injustice and police brutality following the shooting of Jacob Blake in the United States.
Blake, an unarmed black man, was shot in the back by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, as he leaned into his car, leading to widespread protests in America.
Shortly after beating Anett Kontaveit in the quarter-final, Osaka announced that won’t play her semi-final against Elise Mertens, saying a statement “as a black woman I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention, rather than watching me play tennis”.
The WTA, ATP and USTA then announced that there would be no play on Thursday as the sport is “collectively taking a stance against racial inequality and social injustice”.
On the back of discussions with the WTA and USTA, former world No 1 Osaka has decided to reverse her decision to pull out of the Cincinnati event.
“As you know, I pulled out of the tournament yesterday in support of racial injustice and continued police violence,” she said in a statement to The Guardian. “I was (and am) 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.
“They offered to postpone all matches until Friday and in my mind that brings more attention to the movement.
“I want to thank the WTA and the Tournament for their support.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
News
Lawn Tennis Association determined to show commitment to inclusion and diversity
Seven people from diverse backgrounds have been appointed to the LTA Council.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray’s tips on how to make sure you stay injury-free when tennis resumes after lockdown
Andy Murray is back with some tips.
-
Tennis Fun
WATCH: Kei Nishikori reveals he wanted to be a penguin when he was young
Kei Nishikori with some quality content.
-
ATP Tour
‘He will play top-level tennis again because he is that good’ – Andy Murray on Roger Federer’s return
Andy Murray on Roger Federer’s return.
-
Tennis Top 10
Top 10 oldest WTA singles champions: Billie Jean King top, but Venus and/or Serena Williams could pip her
A look at your oldest WTA singles title winners.
-
Tennis Fun
Serena Williams and her ‘mini-me’ Olympia wear matching catsuits in debut joint fashion campaign
“The adventures of Serena and Olympia continue…”
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Benoit Paire argues with umpire, spits on mark, crashes out and then Tweets ‘it’s worth it to suck’
Benoit Paire makes controversial exit.
-
WTA Tour
‘Proud’ Victoria Azarenka battles through the pain to beat Elina Svitolina at Qatar Open
Victoria Azarenka gets the better of Elina Svitolina.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas impresses in Rotterdam to set up Karen Khachanov clash
Stefanos Tsitsipas retained hopes of a first ATP 500 title.
-
Kevin Palmer
Comment: Why Andy Murray needs to identify the positives in defeat against Andrey Rublev
A win against a top 10 player will kick-start Murray’s 2021.