The International Tennis Federation (ITF) assures that it supports the position of the Japanese Naomi Osaka not to contest the semifinals of the Cincinnati tournament, as well as the decision of the United States Federation, the ATP and the WTA to paralyze the tournament, which is disputed in Flushing Meadows, in support of the protest against racial inequality and social injustice after the police shooting of the 29-year-old black man, Jacob Blake, which occurred last Sunday, in the town of Kenosha (Wisconsin).
“The ITF supports the decision made by the USTA, the ATP and the WTA to stop” the tournament from Cincinnati, as well as the one adopted by Osaka of not playing the semifinal against the Dutch Elise Mertens.
“The ITF is against all forms of racism and intolerance in sport and in society. Tennis is proud of the players who have shown their leadership, today and for decades., using their platforms and voices to raise awareness and inspire change, “says the International Federation in a statement.