Naomi Osaka opts to play semi-final after Thursday postponement

Naomi Osaka has decided to compete in her re-arranged semi-final at the Western & Southern Open on Friday. On Wednesday, Osaka had informed the WTA of her decision to withdraw from her last four match gainst Elise Mertens, which was scheduled to be played Thursday, before she publicly announced her withdrawal in line with the ongoing strikes in major sporting leagues protesting racial injustice following the shooting of Jacob Blake by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The tournament later responded to Osaka’s announcement by “pausing tournament play” on Thursday and it rescheduled its men’s and women’s semi-finals for Friday. The WTA, ATP and other tournaments later spoke to Osaka and her team about the possibility of her returning to compete on Friday.

Despite remaining more than happy to not compete, the former No 1 ultimately decided that it would be better for the movement if she returned to the court on Friday .

“As you know, I pulled out of the tournament yesterday in support of racial injustice and continued police violence. I was (and am) ready and prepared to concede the match to my opponent,” said Osaka in a statement provided to the Guardian.

“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.”