WTA now protects rankings of players undergoing fertility procedures
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) recently announced that it now protects the rankings of female athletes who wish to take time off the sport for fertility procedures, such as egg or embryo freezing.
This new rule followed after the governing body introduced up to 12 months of paid maternity leave for players. This applies to athletes who are ranked in the top 750 and who are out for over 10 weeks. Eligible athletes will get a special ranking to enter up to three tournaments once they return to the sport. With this, WTA aims to support female athletes to balance their careers and family planning.
' Eligible players will receive a Special Entry Ranking (SER), which can be used to enter up to three tournaments, based on the 12-week average of their WTA Ranking from eight weeks prior to the start of their out-of-competition period,' the WTA said in a statement.
Moreover, the WTA also announced that athletes will receive grants for fertility treatments through the WTA Maternity Fund, sponsored by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). The governing body also has a health team that offers physical check-ups, mental health support, and consultation for pregnant players and new mothers. See also Emma Raducanu suffers first-round loss at the Abu Dhabi Open
Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, was among those who previously called for egg freezing to be included under protected ranking.
'For any woman, the conversation of family life versus a career is nuanced and complex… The WTA has now created a safe space for players to explore options and to make the best decisions for themselves… It's truly ground-breaking and will empower this generation, and future generations of players, to continue with the sport they love without having to compromise,' she shared.
In a social media post, WTA shared the news with the caption: 'We are proud to introduce a groundbreaking Special Eligibility Ranking Rule, offering players protected rankings while undergoing fertility protection procedures. 💫'
Netizens largely praised the move, calling it an empowering moment for women in sports. Many celebrated it as a step in the right direction for gender equality and athlete support.
'I love this! So glad that this type of action is taking place. It's the only way forward🔥🙌🏼' and 'No personal interest in having kids but this is a huge W for women! Proud of this sport. 🙌🏼' See also Amanda Anisimova wins her first WTA 1000 title
Tennis is not the first sport to support fertility procedures for female athletes. The WNBA also offers $60,000 (£52,500) to cover female basketball athletes' fertility treatments, which also include egg freezing. Indeed, governing bodies are now determined to support women athletes in planning their family life without compromising their sporting career.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
2 hours ago
- CNA
Haliburton goes down injured in Game 7 of NBA Finals
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton left injured midway through the first quarter in the winner-take-all Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. The point guard was off to a terrific start in the decider with three three-pointers in the first five minutes of the game when he slipped and fell while driving toward the basket at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. He slapped his fist and wept as team medical staff rushed to his aid with five minutes left in the quarter. He was later seen gingerly moving to the locker room with the aid of two staff members with a towel over his head.
CNA
3 hours ago
- CNA
On brink of making history, Inter Miami to go all in against Palmeiras
MIAMI :Inter Miami have no intention to play for a draw when they face Palmeiras in their final Group A game at the Club World Cup on Sunday, a result that would send both teams into the knockout stages. It would be a massive achievement for Inter Miami, who beat Porto and drew against Al Ahly in their first two games. Palmeiras are top of the group on four points, ahead of Miami on goal difference with Porto and Al Ahly both on one point. All four teams can still qualify for the last 16 but only Miami and Palmeiras have their fate in their hands. Palmeiras need a draw to qualify top of the group. The group winners will face the second-placed team in Group B, currently led by Botafogo with six points while Champions League winners Paris St Germain are second on three points. KEY QUOTES: Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano: "We're facing possibly one of the most important games in the history of our club. Above all, let that fill us with enthusiasm to be able to play it, let it not be a burden, not a burden, but an excitement and a challenge for this group of players who are also doing well up until now. "It would be a big mistake if we went into it thinking about not playing it and only about the result. I think that when you think about the result and don't go into it, certain things can happen during the game that make it very difficult to get back into the game. In the end, our idea is to go and win the game like we've always done, like every time we go into a game, whether it's in the Club World Cup, MLS, the Champions League, or any other competition we're involved in."
CNA
3 hours ago
- CNA
Bellingham says he will undergo shoulder surgery after Club World Cup
CHARLOTTE :Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham confirmed on Sunday that he will undergo surgery to address a long-standing shoulder issue after the conclusion of the Club World Cup in the United States. The 21-year-old, who has been managing the injury since 2023, has played through discomfort for both club and country. Real Madrid have scheduled the operation to follow the tournament, which concludes later this month. Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund earlier this year, has frequently been seen wearing strapping on his shoulder during matches. The injury first flared up in a match against Rayo Vallecano, forcing him to miss two games for both Real Madrid and England late in 2023. Speaking after Real Madrid's 3-1 victory over Mexico's Pachuca in the Club World Cup, Bellingham explained his decision to proceed with surgery. 'I've reached the point where the pain isn't so bad, but I was sick of playing with the sling,' he told reporters. 'I'm losing a lot of weight from sweating so much, and I've decided that I'll have surgery after the tournament. I've been waiting for a long time, and my patience is running out, but the physios and doctors have been incredible. I just want to feel free,' he added. Despite his discomfort, Bellingham has been a key figure for Real Madrid since joining the club in the summer of 2023 from Borussia Dortmund, helping the Spanish giants win the LaLiga and Champions League double in his first campaign. The timeline for Bellingham's return remains unclear.
