Uncategorised Western & Southern Open Suspended Due To Latest Racial Killing In US

The USTA, ATP Tour and WTA have agreed to suspend the ongoing Western & Southern Open in solidarity against racial inequality in the United States.


The tournament which has reached its last four stage was suspended on Thursday following the injustice and killing of another black.


A Police officer in Wisconsin on Sunday shot Jacob Blake jr a black man dead which has caused another unrest since the killing of George Floyd.

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A joint statement by the USTA, WTA, ATP Tour decided to suspend the semi-final of the tournament.


The statement reads as follows;


“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 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.”

In the same vein, former WTA World No.1 Naomi Osaka announced that she will no longer take part in the tournament.


Naomi in a statement joined the waves of athletes protesting against racial injustice.


She wrote, “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. 


“Watching the continued genocide of Black people at the hand of the police is honestly making me sick to my stomach.”


The Milwaukee Bucks basketball team on Wednesday boycotted a play off game in protest of Mr Blakes shooting.


The action forced the NBA to announce that all games scheduled for evening be postponed.


Wisconsin attorney-general released the name of the police officer who shot Blake with name Rusten Sheskey.


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