The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has introduced an important new policy aimed at helping players protect their rankings while undergoing fertility treatments.
This rule allows athletes to temporarily step away from the sport to undergo procedures like egg freezing or embryo freezing without the risk of losing their ranking.
What Does the New Rule Mean for Players?
The new policy states that players who are undergoing fertility treatments can be out of professional tennis for up to 10 weeks. During this time, they will still retain a “Special Entry Ranking,” which is determined based on their recent performance averages.
This ranking allows them to return to competition and use it for three tournaments after coming back. This way, players do not have to worry about dropping in rankings if they need to pause their careers for personal reasons related to fertility.
The WTA’s Commitment to Player Support
The WTA is focused on creating an environment where female athletes can balance their professional careers and personal lives.
Eight-time WTA champion Sloane Stephens praised the new policy, stating that the WTA has created a “safe space” for players to make informed decisions about their family and career paths.
In addition to this new fertility rule, the WTA already offers various support programs, including maternity leave, postpartum support, and fertility grants.
WTA CEO Portia Archer also highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that the organization is dedicated to supporting its athletes as they navigate the challenges of balancing their careers with family life.
The Growing Push for Fertility Rights in Sports
This move is part of a larger push by female athletes to address and overcome the challenges related to fertility and career decisions.
Many women in professional sports have faced difficult decisions about their futures, often feeling pressured to choose between starting a family and continuing their careers.
The WTA’s new policy provides much-needed flexibility and shows that the organization is listening to the needs of its players.
The WTA’s introduction of a fertility treatment policy reflects a major step forward in supporting female athletes. It allows players to explore fertility options without sacrificing their careers.
This rule, along with other support programs like maternity leave and postpartum support, shows the WTA’s commitment to ensuring that women can have both families and successful sports careers.
