Female athletes who choose to undergo fertility protection procedures will be allowed to take time from the sport and return to competitive behavior in protected rankings, the Governing Body of Women’s Tennis (WTA) said Wednesday.
The new rules aim to support female athletes by balancing family goals and career ambitions, three months after the WTA first offers up to 12 months of paid maternity leave.
“The new rules mean players can take time from professional tennis for fertility procedures such as freezing eggs and embryos, and can safely return to the competition with protected rankings,” the WTA said in a statement.
“Eligible players will receive a special entry ranking (SER), which can be used to enter up to three tournaments based on a 12-week average of WTA rankings from eight weeks before the start of the non-competitive period.”
Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, previously called the announcement on Wednesday a “groundbreaking” move, sought egg freezes to be recognized as a protected ranking activity.
“Our sport is extremely proud of our recognition of the importance of fertility treatment for female athletes. For any woman, family life and career conversations are subtle and complicated,” said former World No. 3.
“The WTA has created a safe space for players to explore options and make the best decisions for themselves.”
The WTA also said players will benefit from paid maternity leave and fertile protection grants through the WTA Maternity Fund sponsored by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.