Print this article

Osaka's boyfriend joins her fight against racism

September 13, 2020 09:41 IST

Naomi Osaka walks onto court before the US Open final at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Queens borough of New York City on Saturday

IMAGE: Naomi Osaka walks onto court before the US Open final at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queen, New York City, September 12, 2020. Photograph: Al Bello/Getty Images

Naomi Osaka continued the trend she began at the US Open, highlighting police brutality and racism in America, by donning her 7th mask at the tournament.

As she stepped out to play the US Open final on Saturday, September 12, Osaka wore a mask with the name Tamir Rice emblazoned on it.

12-year-old Tamir Rice was killed by the police in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2014.

Naomi Osaka's boyfriend, rapper YBN Cordae looks on before the US Open final on Saturday

IMAGE: Rapper YBN Cordae, Naomi Osaka's boyfriend, looks on before the US Open final. Photograph: Al Bello/Getty Images

Joining Osaka in her fight against police injustice and racism was her boyfriend, YBN Cordae. The rapper was seen in the stands wearing a T-shirt that read 'Defund the Police'.

Throughout the US Open, Osaka has worn masks with the names of victims of police brutality.

She has worn masks with the names of Breonna Taylor, Elijiah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, Philando Castile, and finally Tamir Rice on Saturday.

Osaka battled from a set down to beat Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 and win her second US Open title and third major crown.

Rediff Sports