Calls for social justice are at center stage once more in the world of sports.
The latest ATP tour in the Western and Southern Open, like the MLS, MLB, WNBA, and the NBA, will momentarily suspend their matches as several athletes have expressed their stance in lieu of the unfortunate shooting of Jacob Blake.
The 29-year-old African American was gunned down from behind by local policemen in Kenosha, Wisconsin due to an apparent domestic violence dispute, and this sparked major outrage across athletes all over the country.
WTA star Naomi Osaka has officially withdrawn in the Western and Southern Open semis in protest and others might follow suit.
In lieu of current events, fans all over the world are hopeful that this issue will get resolved soon via concrete action and promoting social awareness.
For now, allow SBOTOP to give you a quick recap through our latest Western and Southern Open 2020 updates.
The Western and Southern Open committee will reschedule
To show solidarity among other major sport leagues in the US, the Western and Southern Open have released their statement as they announced the temporary pause of play.
“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,” said in the official statement.
“The USTA, ATP Tour, and WTA have decided to recognise this moment in time by pausing tournament play at the Western & Southern Open on Thursday, August 27. Play will resume on Friday, August 28,” the statement ended.
The Western and Southern Open was initially scheduled to be finished on August 28. As of the moment, the event has reached the semifinals stage for both in the men and women’s divisions.
Daniil Medvedev misses out, Stefanos Tsitsipas advances
Speaking of the semifinals, it was quite shocking to learn that one of the brightest young ATP stars won’t make it to the festivities.
Daniil Medvedev, who is the fifth-ranked ATP player, has been eliminated by a lesser known opponent in the quarterfinals.
Roberto Bautista Agut pulled of one of the biggest upsets in recent memory. After losing in the first set badly, the 32-year-old changed the pace and turned the tables to clinch a 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory.
The veteran Spaniard managed to save 15 of 20 break points while winning 71-per cent of second serve return points to move on after more than two hours of action.
“After the first set, I was thinking a lot of bad things. It was a very good comeback,” said Bautista Agut postgame.
Bautista Agut’s journey to the semis is no joke. He defeated last year’s semifinalist in Richard Gasquet and then he won over Karen Khachanov prior to meeting Daniil Medvedev.
This marks his first semifinals appearance in the Western and Southern Open. Roberto Bautista Agut will face the omnipotent Novak Djokovic next.
“He didn’t lose a match this year and he’s a great player. I will try to play my best game to beat him. If I can play at a good level, it is going to be a good match,” said Bautista Agut about facing Novak Djokovic.
Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas will be on the other semis bracket when his opponent unfortunately retired midway through the match.
Reilly Opelka took a medical timeout when he led 4-3 to have his right knee taped. The 22-year-old tried to push through the pain and managed to win the set, 6-5, but he could not continue to play.
It was unfortunate for Opelka’s Western and Southern Open stint to end this way. Prior to making it this far, the American international defeated a heavily favoured Mario Berrettini in the Round of 16.
With the win, Tsitsipas will move on to face Milos Raonic in the next round. The sixth-ranked player in the ATP is on hot pursuit for his first Masters 1000 title.
Novak Djokovic is still on fire
Novak Djokovic has yet to lose a game all year and he is running hot on form as he barges his way into the Western and Southern Open semifinals.
His Western and Southern Open 2020 odds have never been higher and he is the heavy favourite to win it all as always.
The Serb, who is bidding for his fourth US Open title and 18th Grand Slam crown next week, cruised to the final four needing only 62 minutes to dispatch his opponent.
He defeated Jan-Lennard Struff, 6-3, 6-1, despite experiencing some discomfort on his neck. His neck was in pain when he faced off against Ricardas Berankis in the first match of the tour.
Djokovic’s recent win means that this will be his 68th Masters 1000 final four appearance, moving two clear from Roger Federer while inching closer to Rafael Nadal’s 73 appearances.
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