Black Lives Matter over Tennis? Naomi Osaka amazes netizens with US Open warmup withdrawal

killing of George Floyd in May this year had created quite an uproar in United States with people as well as athletes coming out in solidarity towards 'Black Lives Matter' movement. Two-time Grand Slam Open champion Naomi Osaka too had been vocal in showing her support towards  Black Lives Matter movement and once again Japanese tennis star has come out in support of racial justice by deciding to withdraw from ongoing warm-up tennis tournament leading up to US Open 2020. 

Also Read: Naomi Osaka Withdraws From W&S In Call For Justice; Demands Change After Jacob Blake Shooting

Jacob Blake shooting: Naomi Osaka withdraws from Western & Sourn Open tournament

Following Jacob Blake shooting incident in Wisconsin, Naomi Osaka on Thursday took to Twitter and anunced that she is withdrawing from Western and Sourn Open tournament in New York City.  Jacob Blake shooting incident comes three months after death of George Floyd at hands of Minneapolis Police, which sparked global Black Lives Matter movement. Osaka was slated to face Belgium's Elise Mertens in semi-final encounter but  Japanese decided that re are more important matters that need attention. Here's Naomi Osaka tweet -

Fans react to Naomi Osaka withdrawal from warmup event -

Jacob Blake shooting incident 

Jacob Blake shooting incident happened on Sunday, when  29-year-old black man, was shot in back multiple times against his SUV, while his children waited for him in car. While Blake survived shooting and is currently stable, his lawyers fear it will take a "miracle" for him to walk again.  shooting of Jacob Blake on Sunday in Kesha was captured on cellphone video.

Also read: Naomi Osaka Smashes 'Black Lives Matter' Criticism In Hard-hitting Tweet With IKEA Example

NBA boycott playoffs receive support from Barack Obama  

Milwaukee Bucks, which is based in Wisconsin, decided to boycott Game 5 of play-offs following Jacob Blake shooting incident. Bucks revealed y were unable to focus on game, given unrest in Wisconsin. While team's decision was spontaneous,  owners chose to support ir players. 

Following Bucks decision, players and or NBA teams also decided to boycott playoffs, releasing a statement saying that NBA games have been postponed. NBA's boycott decision also received support from former US President Barack Obama as well.

Also read: LeBron James, Or NBA Players Firm With Call To Boycott Playoffs For Black Lives Matter

Obama, in his tweet praised  decision of Milwaukee Bucks which led to NBA boycott, lauding m for standing up and protesting against Jacob Blake shooting. He also mentioned LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, NBA and WNBA for setting an example with boycott. 

Also Read: LeBron James Slammed By Former NYPD Commissioner Over Comments On Jacob Blake Shooting

Cover Im : Naomi Osaka / Twitter