Published 10:27 IST, September 14th 2020
Naomi Osaka wins respect of more than just Tennis fans with US Open triumph photo-post
Naomi Osaka shared a winning tweet in favour of the Black Lives Matter movement while thanking her ancestors, following her second US Open championship win.
Naomi Osaka shared a winning tweet following her second US Open championship triumph and third Grand Slam title. While sharing a picture holding her trophy, Osaka also spoke about her roots and her ancestors. "I remember their blood runs through my veins I am reminded that I cannot lose," read Naomi's tweet.
Netizens react
Naomi Osaka's winning tweet received interesting reactions from netizens. While several congratulated her on the win, others lauded her for her contribution to the Black Lives Matter movement. Some users also praised Naomi for remembering and acknowledging her ancestors.
Naomi Osaka on Black Lives Matter
Amid the debate over the use of masks in the US, Naomi Osaka not only encouraged the usage of masks but also advocated for the Black Lives Matter movement. For seven matches, she wore seven different masks with the names of 7 people of colour who were victims of police brutality and died due to racial injustice. Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, Philando Castile, and Tamir Rice are the seven black people who lost their lives to racial discrimination.
In a video that has been going viral on social media, Naomi Osaka was asked what message she wanted to send with her 7 masks and 7 names by an international media reporter. Responding to the reporter, Osaka said that the message received by the people is the real question and the point is to kickstart a conversation about the Black Lives Matter movement.
In another conversation with international media, Naomi Osaka stated that she has 7 masks with 7 names but it just wasn't enough for all the victims of racial injustice, discrimination and police brutality. She further added that she hoped to reach the finals which would giver her an opportunity to showcase names of other victims. Naomi Osaka, in her sports style protest, brought the Black Lives Matter movement more attention while making an impactful statement.
In August, just before the US Open semi-finals began, Naomi Osaka took to Instagram to talk about the Black Lives Matter movement. Speaking about the injustice against people of colour, Osaka said, "Before an athlete, I am a black woman and as a black woman I feel that there are much more important matters at hand than just people watching me play." Adding that she didn't expect anything drastic to happen Naomi Osaka said, "If I can get a conversation started in a majority white sport, I consider that a step in the right direction." She also said that the 'genocide of Black people' made her feel sick.
(With inputs from AP)
Updated 10:27 IST, September 14th 2020