Johanna Konta semi-final pushed back after Western & Southern Open suspend matches

Johanna Konta booked her place in the semi-finals of the Western & Southern Open in New York after defeating Maria Sakkari in straight sets on Wednesday.

Sakkari toppled Serena Williams in the round of 16 but Konta had her measure a day later, the eighth seed beating the Greek 13th seed in a solid performance in blustery conditions, 6-4 6-3.

Konta will now play former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Friday after organisers suspended Thursday's play in protest against racial injustice.

"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," organisers said in a statement.

The statement came after Konta's fellow semi-finalist, Naomi Osaka, announced she was pulling out the Western & Southern Open in protest against racial injustice. The NBA also pulled their schedule following Milwaukee Bucks' decision to boycott their playoff game, while matches in MLS and MLB have also been postponed.

Osaka was due to play 14th-seed Elise Mertens after progressing to the last four with a torrid victory over the gallant Anett Kontaveit, beating the 20th-ranked Estonian 4-6 6-2 7-5.

Belgian Mertens easily disposed of American Jessica Pegula 6-1 6-3.

Konta was delighted to overcome Sakkari and make her second semi of the year, having made the last four at Monterrey, Mexico, in March - before tennis was suspended due to the pandemic.

"I'm always happy with every win I'm able to get but it was really tricky conditions out here," she told WTA media.

"The ball was moving, it was quite blustery, and Maria hits a tricky ball. She has quiet a a lot of variety in the way she hits the ball off both sides, so it was a lot of adapting on my behalf.

"I was just really pleased I was able to adapt well and stay tough when I needed to.

"Every day I just come on court to do the best I can. So far it's been coming my way. Hopefully long may it continue."

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Osaka pulls out of US Open warm-up in protest against racial injustice