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The WTA Tour revealed on Wednesday that female tennis players who opt to take a break from the sport to freeze their eggs or embryos will have their rankings protected.
Players ranked between one and 750 in either singles or doubles who are out of competition for a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks due to a “fertility protection procedure” qualify for this benefit.
The protected ranking can be used to enter up to three tournaments, although it does not apply to the premier 1000 events.
This special ranking will be determined based on the 12-week average of a player’s WTA ranking from eight weeks before the start of their out-of-competition period.
The WTA stated that the “Fertility Protection Special Entry Ranking Rule” aims to enhance the current benefits package to support players in balancing family life with their tennis careers.
WTA CEO Portia Archer expressed, “We understand that professional athletes can face a dilemma between focusing on their career and starting a family, and we are committed to supporting WTA players as they navigate and balance the choices associated with career and family.”
In March, the WTA and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a maternity fund program that provides players with paid maternity leave for up to 12 months and access to grants for fertility treatments.
The PIF serves as a global partner for the WTA Tour.
