New York (AFP)
The day after a historic break, to protest against racial injustice, Naomi Osaka, who changed her mind after the announcement of her boycott, qualified for the ladies final of the Cincinnati tournament where she will face Viktoria Azarenka, just like Milos Raonic for the men.
The last finalist will be known during the day, at the end of the semi-final between the world No.1 Novak Djokovic, undefeated in 2020, and the Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, world 12th.
While waiting to know the male poster, the female may allow Osaka to win, at only 22 years old, a sixth title, after in particular two in Grand Slam (US Open 2019, Australian Open 2019).
The Japanese, 10th in the world, left no chance for the Belgian Elise Mertens, 22nd in the world, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), on the Grandstand of Flushing Meadows where the tournament is exceptionally relocated due to the coronavirus .
Proof that she managed to focus on tennis, two days after the resounding announcement of her boycott - in the wake of that of the Milwaukee Bucks outraged by the police shootings against Jacob Blake in Wisconsin -, and after finally changed when the tournament organizers suspended the matches scheduled for Thursday as a sign of solidarity
More than an analysis of her match, she mostly confided on her last 48 hours, at the microphone of ESPN.
“During my forties I saw a lot of things going on. I always thought it would be nice if someone started doing something in tennis. And honestly, I'm more of a follower than a leader ... I was waiting and waiting. And then I realized that maybe I should be the one to take the first step. That's kind of what happened, "she explained.
- Victorious, Azarenka, but annoyed -
"I wanted there to be awareness in the tennis bubble. I think I did this job. I was afraid that other players would resent me for having turned the tournament upside down, but I know they support me, ”added Osaka, entering the court wearing a“ Black Lives Matter ”t-shirt.
Her opponent on Saturday, Azarenka, in any case preferred to only want to talk about tennis after her victory against Briton Johanna Konta (15th) in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
"I don't want to talk about that. I only want to talk about tennis, I want to be able to focus on my tennis. And, maybe, when I'm ready to talk about what's going on, what isn't. nothing to do with tennis, I will, "she said very annoyed at a press conference.
The Belarusian, 59th in the world, who has thought about ending his career several times in recent seasons, has already won in the Cincinnati tournament in 2013, and will try to pocket his 21st title on the WTA circuit, the first since 2016 in Miami.
For his part, Milos Raonic, who, like Elise Mertens in recent hours, has supported Osaka's initiative, nonetheless managed to brilliantly win his half against Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6th in the world, 7-6 (7 / 5), 6-3.
The Canadian, 30th in the world, in search of a 9th title on the ATP circuit, after more than four years of scarcity, was initially patient in winning the first set in the decisive game, none of the players having conceded his service .
In the second, he broke at 3-1 and, relying in particular on 12 aces, retained this advantage to win a second victory in as many confrontations against Tsitsipas, after their round of 16 at the last Australian Open.
© 2020 AFP