In a historic move for women’s sports, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has unveiled a comprehensive policy designed to support female athletes in balancing their professional careers with family planning. Under the new rule, players who elect to undergo fertility protection procedures—such as egg or embryo freezing—can step away from competition and return with a protected ranking. This follows the WTA’s groundbreaking announcement three months ago of up to 12 months of paid maternity leave, marking a significant advance in athlete welfare and gender equity in professional tennis.
Background: The Challenge of Family Planning in Elite Sport
The Biological Clock vs. Athletic Prime
Female tennis players often face a stark choice between delaying childbearing to maximize their athletic potential and starting a family during their peak competitive years. Fertility preservation procedures can offer a pathway to reconcile these two ambitions, but the financial cost, medical logistics, and risk to ranking status have historically deterred many athletes.
Precedent in Maternity Leave
In March 2025, the WTA introduced paid maternity leave for the first time, allowing players to pause their careers for up to 12 months after childbirth. This landmark step acknowledged the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and early motherhood, but it did not address those who wished to preserve fertility in advance of childbearing.
The New Fertility Preservation Policy
Special Entry Ranking (SER) Explained
Under the new policy, eligible players who undergo fertility protection procedures can return to competition using a Special Entry Ranking (SER). The mechanics of the SER are as follows:
Eligibility Period
Players must notify the WTA of their intention to pause competition for fertility preservation at least eight weeks before the procedure.
Ranking Calculation
The SER is calculated based on the 12-week average of the player’s WTA ranking during the eight weeks preceding the start of their out-of-competition period.
Tournament Entries Allowed
Upon their return, players may use the SER to gain entry into up to three tournaments of their choosing, allowing them to compete without relying on wildcards or qualifying rounds.
Financial Support Through the WTA Maternity Fund
The WTA Maternity Fund, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, has been expanded to provide grants specifically for fertility preservation. Eligible athletes may apply for financial assistance to cover:
- Egg or Embryo Freezing Costs: Laboratory fees, medication, and doctor consultations.
- Ancillary Medical Expenses: Anesthesia, monitoring scans, and follow-up visits.
- Travel and Accommodation: For players who must visit clinics abroad.
Voices from the Tour
Sloane Stephens Praises the Move
2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens, a longtime advocate for fertility protections in tennis, called the policy “ground-breaking.” Stephens had publicly urged the WTA to recognize egg freezing as a valid reason for a protected ranking. She commented, “For any woman, the conversation of family life versus a career is nuanced and complex. This new rule means players can explore their options without fear of losing everything they’ve worked for.”
Emerging Players Welcome Security
Rising stars on the tour, many of whom are in their early to mid-20s, have expressed relief at the policy. “Knowing I have a safety net if I choose to freeze eggs next year gives me immense peace of mind,” said fellow American Catherine “Cat” Owens, ranked 57th in the world. “It lets me focus fully on my game now, without worrying about what comes next.”
Perspectives from Veteran Champions
Several veterans, including three-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep, emphasized the policy’s broader impact. “This change is not just for fertility—it shows that the WTA cares about the whole person, not just the athlete,” Halep noted. “Other sports will take notice, and that could change the landscape for women everywhere.”
Implementation Details and Timeline
Notification and Approval Process
Players must submit a formal request to the WTA’s Player Administration Department at least eight weeks before their planned procedure. The application requires:
- Medical Certification: From a licensed fertility specialist confirming the planned procedure.
- Proof of Procedure Date: To verify the timing of the out-of-competition period.
- Tournament Selection: List of up to three events where the player intends to use the SER upon return.
Rolling Out the SER System
The WTA plans to integrate the SER function into its online entry platforms by July 1, 2025. All tournament directors will receive training on processing SER applications and verifying eligibility.
Impact on Rankings and Tournament Fields
Short-Term Ranking Stability
Experts anticipate that the SER will stabilize the rankings of players who take fertility leave, preventing steep drops that can occur when athletes miss months of competition. This stability will, in turn, benefit tournament organizers by ensuring the continued presence of marquee names.
Long-Term Competitive Balance
While the policy is designed to support individual athletes, it may also inadvertently influence draw quality. With top players protected, the depth of competition in qualifying draws could decrease, potentially opening opportunities for lower-ranked players to break through.
Comparison with Other Sports
Tennis Leading the Way
At present, no other major global sports governing body has offered a similar fertility preservation protection. The WTA’s initiative sets a precedent that could spur parallel changes in athletics, soccer, basketball, and beyond.
Calls for Broader Adoption
Athlete advocacy groups, including the Global Athlete Alliance, have lauded the WTA’s leadership and called on bodies such as FIFA, the NBA, and World Athletics to adopt comparable policies. “This is a game-changer for all professional women,” said Global Athlete spokesperson Dr. Maya Richter. “Female athletes across disciplines deserve the same security and autonomy.”
Potential Challenges and Criticisms
Logistical and Medical Hurdles
Critics point out that fertility preservation involves medical risks and does not guarantee future pregnancy. The WTA and players’ unions will need to ensure that athletes receive thorough counseling and peer support.
Fairness and Abuse Concerns
Some skeptics worry that players might misstate reasons for taking leave to exploit the SER system. The WTA has addressed these concerns by requiring stringent medical documentation and setting clear out-of-competition windows.
Broader Significance for Gender Equity
Recognizing the Athlete as a Whole Person
By acknowledging fertility preservation, the WTA has taken a holistic approach to athlete well-being. This shift recognizes that professional women face distinct biological considerations that cannot be ignored in policymaking.
Influence on Corporate and Professional Policies
Beyond sports, the WTA’s move could influence corporate human resources and professional associations. Companies may feel pressure to implement parental leave and fertility benefits to attract and retain top talent.
Looking Ahead
Monitoring and Evaluation
The WTA has committed to an annual review of the policy’s impact, tracking metrics such as:
- Number of SER Applications: To gauge uptake.
- Athlete Feedback: Through surveys and focus groups.
- Performance Outcomes: Comparing return-to-play results for athletes using SER.
Potential Extensions
There is ongoing discussion about expanding protections for other health-related breaks, such as treatment for serious illness or injury, and exploring longer SER windows or additional tournament entries.
Conclusion
The WTA’s fertility preservation policy represents a bold, progressive step in professional sports, reflecting an evolving understanding of the challenges female athletes face. By providing both a Special Entry Ranking and financial support for fertility procedures, the WTA has demonstrated a commitment to athlete welfare and gender equity that extends far beyond the tennis court. As the policy takes effect and its outcomes are monitored, the wider sporting world will be watching closely, and many hope that this pioneering initiative will herald a new era of support for women in all fields of elite competition.
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