#Naomi Osaka will play rescheduled semifinal after initially withdrawing

After initially informing the WTA of her decision to withdraw from her semifinal match in the Western & Southern Open as a form of protest against systemic racism and police brutality, the world’s former top-ranked player will now compete in the match on Friday against Elise Mertens at the USTA Tennis Center in Queens. The ATP and WTA suspended all matches on Thursday in response to Osaka’s decision.

Osaka was part of a wave of protests in the NBA, WNBA, MLB and MLS following the shooting of black man Jacob Blake by police in Kenosha, Wisc.

“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,” Osaka said Thursday in a statement 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.”

The US Open is scheduled to begin on Monday.