Tennis star Naomi Osaka has decided to play her semi-final at the Western & Southern Open in New York, after previously withdrawing to protest against racial injustice.
The 22-year-old Japanese was originally scheduled to play her semi-final on Friday (NZ time), but tournament organisers postponed all the last-four matches to Saturday.
"As you know, I pulled out of the tournament yesterday in support of racial injustice and continued police violence," Osaka told The Guardian newspaper. "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."
Osaka joined similar protests by athletes in the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball, after the police shooting of a black man in Wisconsin.
The two-time Grand Slam champion will play Belgian Elise Mertens in the final tune-up event for the US Open.
Reuters
