WTA Fertility Rankings Protection | Tennis News
The WTA is making a significant move to support female tennis players’ family planning with a new fertility protection policy. This groundbreaking initiative allows players undergoing procedures like egg freezing to take protected leave and return to competition with a Special Entry ranking. This commitment signals the WTA’s recognition of the complex balance between career and family. the primary_keyword “fertility protection” ensures these athletes can focus on both thier careers and personal goals. The new rules, including paid maternity leave and enhanced fertility grants, demonstrate the WTA’s dedication to supporting the well-being of its athletes, aligning with the association’s broader efforts to enhance player support. News Directory 3 is following these developments very closely. Discover what’s next for women in tennis.
WTA Enhances Fertility Protections for Women’s tennis Players
Updated June 11, 2025
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced Wednesday that female athletes undergoing fertility preservation procedures, such as egg freezing, can take time off and return to competition with a protected ranking. This new rule aims to support players in balancing their family aspirations with their professional tennis careers.
The declaration follows the WTA’s recent introduction of up to 12 months of paid maternity leave. The new fertility protection policy allows players to pursue procedures like egg or embryo freezing and safely resume their careers.
Eligible players will receive a Special Entry ranking (SER) based on their WTA ranking, calculated from the 12-week average preceding their leave. This SER can be used to enter up to three tournaments.
“I’m incredibly proud of our sport in recognizing the importance of fertility treatments for female athletes. For any woman, the conversation of family life versus a career is nuanced and complex,” said Sloane Stephens, 2017 US Open champion.
Stephens, who previously advocated for recognizing egg freezing as a protected ranking activity, hailed the announcement as “groundbreaking.” She added that the WTA has now created a safe space for players to explore their options and make informed decisions.
The WTA also stated that players will benefit from paid maternity leave and fertility protection grants through the WTA Maternity Fund, sponsored by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
What’s next
The WTA’s enhanced policies signal a continued commitment to supporting women’s tennis players throughout their careers, addressing both maternity and fertility needs. The association is expected to monitor the impact of these policies and possibly expand them in the future.