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Naomi Osaka makes big statement with US Open mask

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·2-min read
Naomi Osaka wearing a Breonna Taylor mask at the US Open.
Naomi Osaka wore a Breonna Taylor mask at the US Open to help raise awareness. (Image: ESPN)

Naomi Osaka has been vocal about her social justice issues over the last few months and in her First Round US Open match she made another big statement.

Osaka was wearing a plain black mask with Breonna Taylor’s name written across the front, honouring the former Louisville EMT who was shot and killed by police in her bed earlier this year.

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Taylor’s death, along with George Floyd’s in police custody in May and the Jacob Blake shooting in Wisconsin earlier this month, have sparked a massive social justice movement across the country.

Only last week, Osaka joined the wave of strike action as American athletes protest the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

Osaka took to Twitter to announce she would be withdrawing from her upcoming semi-final at the Western & Southern Open to join in the protests.

The 22-year-old said she was mindful of her voice as one of tennis’ few black athletes.

The tournament eventually suspended play for the day completely.

Osaka, after slipping in her second set, came out strong in the third to beat Doi 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 on Monday night to advance out of the first round.

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Last week, Osaka was ready to withdraw from her Western & Southern Open semi to make a statement.

She took to Twitter to explain her actions.

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.

“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," Osaka posted on Twitter.

“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."

With Yahoo Sport Staff