NEW YORK _ Naomi Osaka will play in the semifinals of the Western & Southern Open after pulling out on Wednesday night to protest racial injustice and the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
In a statement released to the Guardian newspaper of London, Osaka said: "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.
"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."
The USTA owns the W&S and moved it to New York to precede the U.S Open. Along with the ATP and WTA tours it made the decision to pause the tournament on Thursday, delaying the semis until Friday, when the original schedule called for the finals, which will now will be held on Saturday.
In a statement released late Wednesday night, the organizations said: "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, Aug. 27."
