The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has unveiled a new rule aimed at supporting players who wish to maintain their rankings while undergoing fertility treatments.
This policy allows athletes to take time off from competitive tennis for procedures such as egg or embryo freezing, ensuring they can return with a protected ranking.
Under the new regulation, players must be absent for at least 10 consecutive weeks for the procedure to qualify. They will then receive a “Special Entry Ranking” calculated from their recent performance averages, which can be utilized in up to three tournaments post-return.
“The WTA has now created a safe space for players to explore options and to make the best decisions for themselves,” commented Sloane Stephens, an eight-time WTA champion, in a press release.
This initiative builds on the WTA’s existing support frameworks, which include maternity leave, postpartum assistance, and fertility grants.
“We are committed to supporting WTA players as they navigate and balance the choices associated with career and family,” stated WTA CEO Portia Archer in a press release.
The announcement aligns with a broader movement among female athletes advocating for solutions to fertility-related challenges.
