Leyre Romero Gormaz, of Spain, and Julia Grabher, of Austria, both downed tools for more than 10 minutes before the match eventually resumed.
Protesters who spoken to the Herald said their main objection was Glushko’s background as an IDF soldier and the fact she is still an army reservist, rather than just her presence as a tennis player.
They also pointed out she has been outspoken on social media in her support for the IDF since the current conflict began.
Osaka, who progressed with a 6-4 6-4 victory, said she heard the protests but it hadn’t affected her.
“I heard a lot of shouting and then I was told by people on the sidelines that there was a protest,” said Osaka.
Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin told the Herald on Sunday that Glushko was entitled to participate in the tournament, under current WTA regulations, with no restrictions on Israeli players, who are also allowed to compete under their flag, unlike Russian and Belarussian players.
Campaign group Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa chairman John Minto said: “Politics and sport are always strongly linked and Glushko’s presence is part of Israel’s strategy to normalise its racism and apartheid against Palestinians.”
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