Singapore Tennis Open semi-finalist says she was forced to pull out after being hit in face by ball

SINGAPORE – Just hours after surviving a marathon match to reach the semi-finals of the Singapore Tennis Open presented by BNP Paribas, Tatiana Prozorova has become the latest player to pull out of the tournament, claiming she was pressured into doing so.

In an Instagram post at around 11pm on Sept 25, organisers said the Russian “has withdrawn from her singles semi-final due to injury”.

The last-four clash was scheduled to take place on Sept 26.

Organisers added that Australia’s Talia Gibson will now advance to the final by walkover, where she will face either Canada’s Leylah Fernandez or Maja Chwalinska of Poland.

Prozorova claimed on Instagram that she had been “pressured” to withdraw by a WTA Tour physiotherapist after she was struck in the face by a smash during a doubles match on Sept 25, and called the decision an “overreach of authority”.

The Russian paired up with compatriot Sofya Lansere in the women’s doubles quarter-finals against Miyu Kato and Ellen Perez on Sept 25, but Prozorova and her partner had to retire while trailing 7-5, 5-2 after she was hit in the face by a ball.

Prozorova said the smash “grazed my cheek and hit my shoulder” but “things like that happen sometimes”. She added that she then did a balance exercise as part of an off-court check.

She posted on her Instagram Stories: “The physio called to the court insisted on taking me off-court to run a specific test. Unfortunately I didn’t know I could refuse.

“The test wasn’t easy. Given that I’d spent over three hours on court each of the last three days, I was fatigued, and I struggled with some of the exercises – like standing on one leg with my eyes closed. To be honest, even when I’m fresh and well-rested, I find that difficult anyway. I explained this to the physio, too.

“Of all the exercises, that was the one they weren’t happy with, even though I passed all the others.”

She added that it meant her “dream week came to an end today”.

Said Prozorova: “My team and I had a long discussion with the organisers; throughout the process, the physio pressured everyone present and even claimed I wasn’t capable of taking responsibility for my own life. The organisers’ decision really upset me.”

She later clarified in another Instagram story that “the organisers fought for my right to continue competing in the tournament, but ultimately, the decision was made by the WTA”.

The world No. 180’s Singapore Tennis Open last-four run was the best tournament performance of the 22-year-old’s career so far.

Prozorova said she “felt great” after completing a recovery session and having dinner following her doubles match and called on the WTA “to reconsider your own rules”.

She claimed that “the physio made it clear I wouldn’t be allowed to play until six days had passed” and said that this now jeopardised her participation in the China Open, which begins next week.

Said the Russian: “It is completely absurd and an overreach of authority by the WTA staff member.”

In response to queries from The Straits Times, the WTA said that Prozorova was clinically assessed by its on-site sports medicine team and the tournament physician after the incident.

“Under the WTA Physical Incapacity Rule and Concussion Protocol, a player who is diagnosed with a concussion is not permitted to compete and will be ruled physically unable to do so,” it explained.

“The player may only return to competition once they have successfully completed the required graduated return-to-play protocol and have received appropriate medical clearance.

“This process is designed to protect the player’s health and safety and to reduce the risk associated with returning to competition before adequate recovery.”

It added that following a head injury, its medical teams have a responsibility to protect player health and welfare and to follow established concussion protocols and internationally recognised guidelines when determining a player’s return to competition.

Return-to-play recommendations are determined on an individual basis and kept under medical review.

On Sept 25, Prozorova battled through her third marathon match, taking 181 minutes to overcome China’s Wang Xinyu 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 in the quarter-finals.

On Sept 24, Prozorova beat Philippine sensation Alexandra Eala in 189 minutes and also endured a 2hr 51min three-set battle against Sofia Costoulas on Sept 22.

Other withdrawals

The WTA 500 event had also been hit with the withdrawals of second seed Amanda Anisimova and two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova earlier in the week.

Their withdrawals follow that of world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, who pulled out on Sept 16.

Some commenters on Singapore Tennis Open’s post announcing Prozorova’s withdrawal appeared to be seeking refunds but were unsure if they were entitled to one.

One said: “Got the tickets for the SF 1st session but there is no Singles SF since one player withdrawal, what should I do with my tickets???”

However, another replied: “You can refund it, e-mails sent last night.”