By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday August 26, 2020
The Western and Southern Open has announced a pause in play for Thursday to take a stance against racial inequality.
Photo Source: AP
After Naomi Osaka’s decision to not play the Western and Open semifinals sent shockwaves through the internet and the tennis world on Wednesday, the USTA, ATP and WTA have collectively decided to take a pause in play on Thursday, with plans to resume on Friday.
Here is the statement:
"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 recognize this moment in time by pausing tournament play at the Western & Southern Open on Thursday, August 27. Play will resume on Friday, August 28."
At this time it isn’t known if Osaka, who announced her intention not to play on Thursday on her social media, plans to resume play along with the rest of the tournament on Friday.
Stay tuned...
On Wednesday evening, several hours before the tours' collective statement, the Japanese star announced that she would not play her semi-final in order to join in solidarity with other professional athletes across America that have decided to take a stand against police brutality and racial justice in light of the shooting of Jacob Blake by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
"Watching the continued genocide of black people at the hands of police is honestly making me sick to my stomach," she wrote. "I'm exhausted at having a new hashtag pop up every few days and I'm extremely tired of having this same conversation over and over again. When will it ever be enough?"