Naomi Osaka said at the start of the U.S. Open that she had seven masks prepared with the names of victims of racial injustice and police brutality in the United States, one for each round of the tournament. She said she hoped to make it to the final so she could help spread awareness of the issue to the world, the latest sign of her growing activism over racial discrimination.
Her hope turned to reality Thursday night in New York with a 7-6 (7-1), 3-6, 6-3 win over American Jennifer Brady in the semifinals to secure her second appearance in the finals.
Instead of Serena Williams waiting in the final on Saturday (Sunday morning in Japan), it'll be two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, who upset the 23-time grand slam champion 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the day's other semifinal.
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