Naomi Osaka has decided to compete in her re-arranged semi-final at the Western & Southern Open which is now set to take place on Friday.

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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