Western & Southern Open suspended over shooting protests

Tennis, NBA, MLB and MLS all postpone games in growing number of US boycotts

Naomi Osaka of Japan in action on Wednesday in the Western and Southern Open quarter-finals match at Flushing Meadows, New York. EPA

The Western & Southern Open in New York will be suspended until Friday following sporting boycotts sparked by the police shooting of a black man in Wisconsin.

In a statement that came just hours after star singles player Naomi Osaka withdrew from her scheduled semi-final, organisers said all games set for Thursday would be postponed.

"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 statement said.

"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."

Osaka had announced her withdrawal earlier Wednesday in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Sunday.

She tweeted that she would no longer play her semi-final in the Western & Southern Open in New York, saying that "as a black woman... I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention, rather than watching me play tennis".

The 29-year-old was shot point blank seven times in the back by a white police officer, sparking violent unrest in the city that has left two people dead.

The NBA's Milwaukee Bucks boycotted their playoff game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, forcing the league to postpone its slate of postseason fixtures.

The Bucks protest was followed by similar player-led boycotts in other sports.

In baseball, at least two MLB games were called off after teams decided not to play, and five MLS matches have been postponed.

Seattle Mariners announced they had decided not to play the second game in their MLB series against the San Diego Padres.

The decision was based on a unanimous vote from the players, Mariners' player Dee Gordon tweeted.