Naomi Osaka “I’m not saying I’ll abstain” Question and answer-Tennis: Nikkan Sports



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◇ 28th (29th time in Japan) ◇ Women’s Singles Semifinals

Naomi Osaka (22 = NISSIN FOODS), who ranks 10th in the world rankings and has won all 4 major tournaments twice, beats 22nd Elise Mertens (Belgium) 6-2, 7-6, October 19 From China Open (Beijing), the tour has advanced to the eighth final. In the final on the 29th (30 Japan time), they will face Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) in 59th place. The match record is 2 wins and 1 loss for Osaka.

After winning the quarterfinals on the 26th, Osaka posted a statement on his social network protesting the shooting of a black man. In protest, he said he would abstain from the semi-finals. However, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the American Tennis Association (USTA) discussed it and the tournament agreed with the protest. By canceling all matches on the 27th, Osaka withdrew her abstention and played the semifinals of the day.

Osaka spoke about what happened during that time after the semi-finals. The main questions and answers are as follows.

-There have been a lot in the last few days. How do you feel now

Osaka After the quarterfinals, I saw what was happening in the NBA (basket). I thought I should raise my voice.

-So you left the semifinals first.

Osaka: You may have misunderstood everyone. I am not saying that I will abstain. I just told you that I don’t want to play tomorrow (27). WTA supported it.

-I still won today

Osaka Anyway, I was so busy that I couldn’t sleep well last night. I woke up sweaty from stress. Also, a different pressure may have been applied.

– Was the action brave?

Osaka: I felt it was better than courage. Of course, it is not common, but I felt that this was what I should do now.

-The reaction of other players

Osaka: I got a little worried and hung up the phone. And since we’re quarantined, we don’t see much of other players. But the people who were there today were very kind and supportive.

-What did (the dead man) Kobe Bryant say?

Osaka I would be happy if you were proud. In fact, I felt like he wasn’t worth talking to yet. I thought I wouldn’t do much more (like him).



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