Naomi Osaka Will Not Play in Western & Southern Open 2020 Semifinals After Shooting of Jacob Blake

UPDATE: It has been announced that 2020 Western & Southern Open will be pausing games on Thursday (August 27) in protest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

“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 tweet from the tournament reads. “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.”

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Naomi Osaka will not being playing in her semifinals match at the 2020 Western & Southern Open on Thursday (August 27) amid racial injustice in the United States.

The 22-year-old tennis pro announced on Wednesday night (August 27) that she is protesting her match after the recent police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.

“Hello, as many of you are aware I was scheduled to play my semifinals match tomorrow. However, before I am a athlete, I am a black woman,” Naomi wrote. “And as a black woman I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention, rather than watching me play tennis.”

“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,” Naomi continued. “Watching the continued genocide of Black people at the hand of the police is honestly making me sick to my stomach. I’m exhausted of 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? #JacobBlake, #BreonnaTaylor, #ElijahMcclain, #GeorgeFloyd”

Naomi‘s decision to not play comes after the NBA Playoff Games were postponed after pro basketball teams decided to boycott their games.

You can read Naomi Osaka‘s full statement below.