Tennis players will receive a protected ranking if they freeze their eggs or embryos, the international women’s tennis association WTA announced on Wednesday. The offer is an addition to the paid maternity leave that players can now apply for.
Tennis players who are in the top 750 in the world are eligible for the protected ranking. In addition, the player must be out of circulation for at least ten weeks in a row due to fertility treatment.
The WTA is adhering to the same regulations as for the return from a long-term injury or pregnancy. With the scheme, the tennis organization wants to reduce the pressure on players who want to have children. “It’s groundbreaking,” the WTA writes in a press release.
Former US Open winner Sloane Stephens is pleased with the development. The 32-year-old American tells the BBC that she has had her eggs frozen twice outside of the season. “That was a very complicated process. Not everyone understands that,” says Stephens.
“The first time I did that, I came back immediately. I was overweight and unhappy. I was very stressed,” she continues. “It is good that the players no longer feel compelled to come back immediately and put their health at risk.”
Saudi money helps WTA
The medical treatment to freeze eggs takes an average of two to four weeks. Hormone injections take place to collect sufficient eggs. These can cause various side effects, such as abdominal pain or fatigue.
Tennis is not the first sport to offer support to female athletes who want to freeze their eggs. For example, the American basketball league WNBA offers players up to 52,000 euros in compensation for fertility treatments.
The protected ranking is an addition to the twelve-month paid maternity leave. Tennis players have been able to use this since January 1, 2025. The Saudi state investment fund PIF finances that Maternity Fund program.
The WTA sees the program as one of the most important developments in the three-year partnership between the WTA and PIF. That partnership began in May last year, but is controversial. Saudi Arabia is accused of violating the rights of, among others, women.