Forced Medical Withdrawal
Concussion Protocol Forces Tatiana Prozorova Out of Singapore Open Semifinal
Anonymous
Russian player Tatiana Prozorova says she was unfairly withdrawn from her Singapore Open semifinal after a ball struck her face during a doubles match, prompting a concussion assessment. She said she passed all but one balance exercise and felt fit to play, but tournament medical staff advised her to rest; the WTA said its concussion protocol bars players diagnosed with a concussion from competing until they complete a return-to-play process. The decision ended a career-best run for the 22-year-old, who had upset higher-ranked opponents to reach her first WTA semifinal. Her scheduled opponent, Australia’s Talia Gibson, advanced to the final by walkover.
Key Points
1
Prozorova said the physio told her she needed at least six days of rest, and alleged the physio pressured those present and said she could not take responsibility for her own life.
2
Despite the withdrawal, Prozorova was projected to rise from No. 180 to a career-high No. 123. She also stood to earn $48,497 for a semifinal win and $185,500 for the title, compared with $187,450 in career prize money entering the week.
3
Prozorova’s win over Alexandra Eala was her first victory against a top-20 player; she had never previously reached a WTA quarterfinal, making the Singapore semifinal her deepest tour run.
4
Prozorova said she felt “perfectly fine” later that evening and unsuccessfully argued her case with tournament officials after being told she could not compete for at least six days.
5
Her doubles match against Miyu Kato and Ellen Perez was close to its conclusion when Kato’s overhead struck Prozorova: the pair were trailing 7-5, 5-2, 15-15, potentially three points from elimination.
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