IN what was a huge decision for sport yesterday, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) postponed the Western and Southern Open tennis semi-finals in a political statement, standing up against racial injustice and police brutality. 

While Naomi Osaka was the first player to step forward and withdraw from competing, it was in solidarity with the NBA, WNBA, National League Baseball and Major League Soccer which called off matches in wake of the continued fight for the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Her posts across social media, which have generated more than a combined 600,000 engagements at time of publishing, stated that “as many of you are aware I was scheduled to play my semifinals match tomorrow. However, before I am a athlete [sic], I am a black woman.

“I don’t expect anything drastic to happen with me not playing, but if I can get a conversation started in a majority white sport I consider that a step in the right direction.”

The USTA eventually followed suit, postponing matches for the day, and taking a stand against racial inequality, with a joint statement released on Thursday afternoon announcing that WTA and ATP Tour matches would be put on hold and resume on August 28.

“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 statement said.

“The USTA, ATP Tour, and WTA have decided to recognise this moment in time by pausing tournament play at the Western & Southern Open on Thursday, August 27. Play will resume on Friday, August 28.”

Osaka has since retracted her withdrawal following the USTA and WTA’s decision to postpone matches, telling the Guardian that she was willing to concede to her opponent in Elise Mertens but was requested to return to play after the rescheduling of all semi-finals matches was made official.

“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.

“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.”