Concussion or Not? Tennis Player Criticizes WTA

Tatiana Prozorova expressed her frustration after a decision regarding a potential concussion led to her withdrawal from the semifinals of the WTA 500 tournament in Singapore.

The Russian tennis player stated that she was unfairly pulled from her Singapore Open semifinal match due to a doctor's concerns about a concussion.

Prozorova's withdrawal sent Australian Talia Gibson – her scheduled opponent in Saturday's semifinal – into the final without a fight, ending the world No. 180's chances of claiming her first WTA Tour singles title.

"System renders players helpless"

She said the decision had "really upset" her, as she believed she had performed well in a clinical examination by the WTA medical team and the tournament doctor.

"My dream week came to an end," the 22-year-old Prozorova wrote on Instagram, urging the WTA to reconsider its rules. "A system that renders players absolutely helpless."

Prozorova had been hit in the face by a ball during her doubles quarterfinal match on Friday, which triggered the examination.

Criticism of tests

"The test was not easy. Given that I had spent over three hours on court each of the last three days," Prozorova said. "I was tired and had difficulties with some exercises like standing on one leg with closed eyes."

Prozorova, who defaulted the doubles match alongside her partner Sofya Lansere, said this was the only test she failed.

"My team and I had a long discussion with the organizers," she continued, stating that the physiotherapist informed her she would need at least six days of rest.

WTA justifies itself

"Throughout the entire process, the physiotherapist put pressure on everyone present and even claimed I was not capable of taking responsibility for my own life," Prozorova said.

The WTA stated that the health and safety of its players are its "highest priority."

According to the Tour's concussion protocol, "a player diagnosed with a concussion is not eligible to compete and will be deemed physically unable to do so," the WTA said in a statement.

"Protecting health"

"The player may not return to competition until successfully completing the required graduated return protocol and receiving appropriate medical clearance," it continued. "This process is designed to protect the player's health and welfare and reduce the risk associated with returning to competition before adequate recovery."

It is understandable that players wish to continue competing, the statement said.

"However, following a head injury, our medical teams have a responsibility to protect player health and welfare and to follow established concussion protocols and internationally recognized guidelines when determining a player's return to competition," the WTA added.