Osaka and Townsend's dinner for Black players at French Open caused 'bit of a stir' on social media
The dinner drew praise as a celebration of Black tennis history and criticism online as segregation, with Coco Gauff and Gael Monfils among the guests.
- Ahead of the French Open in Paris, Naomi Osaka and Taylor Townsend organized a dinner for Black professional tennis players, gathering Coco Gauff, Gael Monfils, Asia Muhammad, and Chris Eubanks to celebrate their successes in a familial space.
- The event recalls the Harlem Renaissance tradition of holding salons to foster community. Katrina Adams, former president of the U.S. Tennis Association, said she was pleased to see 'an old tradition' re-emerging from her era hosting 'Soul Food' Sunday gatherings.
- While Townsend said the reaction was 'mostly positive,' some social media comments labeled the gathering 'segregation.' Townsend defended the event by quoting rapper Finesse2tymes: 'It's cool when they do it; it's a problem when I do it.'
- On the court, Osaka has reached the fourth round in Paris for the first time in her career, while Townsend and Czech partner Katerina Siniakova advanced to the quarter-finals in doubles competition.
- A ceremony on Court Philippe-Chatrier honored the 70th anniversary of Althea Gibson's 1956 French Open victory, the first Grand Slam title won by a Black tennis player. Gauff noted playing on that court is a 'direct product' of Gibson, who paved the way.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Why Naomi Osaka and Taylor Townsend's dinner party 'caused a stir'
From the Harlem Renaissance of the 20s and 30s to Soul Food Sundays at Wimbledon in the 80s and 90s, Naomi Osaka and Taylor Townsend's dinner party before the French Open continues a long history of black athletes coming together.
Osaka and Townsend’s Dinner for Black players at French Open Caused ‘bit of a stir’ on Social Media
Naomi Osaka and Taylor Townsend are piling up wins on the court at the French Open. Their success comes after drawing attention off the court for organizing a dinner for Black players before the tournament started. The post Osaka and Townsend’s Dinner for Black players at French Open Caused ‘bit of a stir’ on Social Media appeared first on Los Angeles Sentinel.
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Osaka and Townsend's dinner for Black players at French Open caused 'bit of a stir' on social media
Naomi Osaka and Taylor Townsend drew attention off the court for organizing a dinner for Black players before the French Open started.
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