Western & Southern Open Paused Against Racial Inequality
The Western & Southern Open is an annual professional tennis tournament that has been held in Cincinnati, Ohio since 1899. This year, with the WSO being held in New York, the tennis associations are taking a stand against racial injustice and inequality by suspending matches today on Thursday, August 27th with plans to resume play by August 28th.
The Association of Tennis Professional (ATP Tour), the United States Tennis Association (USTA), and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) have released a statement against racial inequality and injustice that is affecting the United States, suspending matches and play at the Western & Southern Open (WSO) that is currently taking place. The statement reads:
“As a sport, tennis is collectively taking a stance against racial inequality and social injustice that once again has been thrust to the forefront in the United States. The USTA, ATP Tour, and WTA have decided to recognize this moment in time by pausing tournament play at the Western & Southern Open on Thursday, August 27. Play will resume on Friday, August 28.”
On August 23rd, 2020, a 29-year-old black man, Jacob S. Blake was shot at 7 times. Four of the shot bullets hit the young man while he was being arrested by a police officer, Rusten Sheskey in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The arrest was being carried out over a dispute of domestic violence.
Officers had been called to a domestic incident on Sunday evening when a woman called to say that “her boyfriend was present and was not supposed to be on the premises” while naming Blake, as reported by CNN. She said that he took her keys and wouldn’t leave. Upon arrival, police attempted to arrest the 29-year-old black man and used a Taser on him as well. Further details about the cause of Shesky firing his weapon into Blakes back have not been released yet.
Credit: USTA.com
