This comes after Osaka earlier today informed the WTA of her decision to withdraw from her last four tie against Elise Mertens; this is due to ongoing strikes in protest of racial injustice after the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha by police.

The tournament as a result decided to pause tournament play on Thursday and rescheduled it till Friday.

As a result of the pause and the subsequent attention it has brought to the movement; she has decided to play.

“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.”

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