WTA Introduces Pioneering Rankings Protection for Female Tennis Players Undergoing Fertility Treatments
In a historic development hailed as a major breakthrough, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced on Wednesday a new policy designed to safeguard the rankings of players who temporarily step away from the tour to pursue fertility-related procedures, such as egg or embryo preservation. This initiative aims to provide athletes with greater flexibility and security during a critical life stage.
Empowering Women Athletes with Flexible Rankings
According to Sloane Stephens, the 2017 U.S. Open champion, the introduction of protected rankings is a significant step forward. She expressed to the BBC that having a safeguard in place allows players to prioritize their health and family planning without the pressure to return prematurely to maintain their rankings. “Having this protected ranking ensures players don’t feel compelled to rush back and jeopardize their well-being,” Stephens remarked.
Details of the New Policy and Eligibility Criteria
Under the revised WTA regulations, female players ranked within the top 750 in singles or doubles who take a leave of absence lasting at least 10 weeks to undergo fertility treatments will be eligible for a Special Entry Ranking. This ranking is calculated based on a 12-week average of their previous rankings, starting from eight weeks prior to their departure. The purpose of this measure is to facilitate their re-entry into competitive play by allowing entry into three tournaments at the WTA’s 500, 250, and 125 levels.
However, this protected ranking cannot be applied to tournaments classified as 1000-level, which are positioned just below the Grand Slam events in the tour hierarchy. The WTA encourages players to undertake fertility procedures during less congested parts of the tennis calendar, which typically spans from early January to early November, making timing a challenge given the demanding tour schedule.
Challenges of Timing Fertility Procedures for Tennis Professionals
The rigorous WTA schedule, which keeps players on the road for most of the year, complicates the planning of fertility treatments. Stephens, who is 32, shared her personal experience with fertility procedures, revealing that during her first egg retrieval during the off-season, she gained approximately 20 pounds. “I rushed back, and I was overweight and unhappy,” she told the BBC. Learning from that experience, she approached her subsequent procedure with a more strategic mindset, aiming to be in better shape.
Understanding Fertility and Its Impact on Female Athletes
Research indicates that women’s reproductive capacity diminishes gradually but notably with age, with a sharper decline after age 37, as noted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Stephens, who has recently been sidelined due to a foot injury sustained in February, expressed her desire to freeze her eggs to focus on her current career without the fear of closing doors on future family plans. “I want to preserve my options and avoid the stress of making difficult choices later,” she explained.
Recognition and Support from the WTA
Stephens praised the WTA for acknowledging the significance of fertility treatments for female athletes. She stated, “The organization’s recognition of this issue creates a safe space for women to explore their options and make informed decisions about their futures.”
Historical Context and Additional Support Measures
In 2019, the WTA introduced special rankings for players who took extended breaks to have children, allowing them to retain their rankings for up to three years. This move was prompted by the experiences of stars like Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka, whose rankings suffered during maternity leaves. More recently, the tour announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to provide up to 12 months of paid maternity leave for WTA players, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting women both on and off the court.
WTA’s Commitment to Balancing Career and Family
WTA CEO Portia Archer emphasized the organization’s dedication to helping players navigate the complex balance between professional ambitions and family life. “We recognize that athletes face unique challenges when it comes to starting a family while maintaining a competitive career,” she said. “The fertility protection program, along with the fertility grant from the PIF WTA Maternity Fund, aims to empower our players to reach their full potential and become parents on their own terms.”
Personal Perspectives on Family Planning and Support
Stephens highlighted the importance of tailored support, noting, “Some players might be out for just a few weeks, while others may need several months. Weight gain and recovery times vary, so having a supportive environment makes a significant difference when planning for family.”
