The women’s tennis tour has made a significant change. Pregnant players can now enjoy 12 months of paid maternity leave. Additionally, those who become parents through partner pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption can take two months of paid leave. This program was introduced by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) with support from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.
WTA CEO Portia Archer emphasized that many independent athletes often lack maternity benefits. “This initiative is groundbreaking,” she said. More than 300 players can benefit from this fund, which is backdated to January 1. However, the WTA has not disclosed the financial details of the program.
This is a historic move, marking the first time comprehensive maternity benefits are offered to self-employed athletes. The program includes grants for fertility treatments, such as egg freezing and IVF. It’s part of a broader movement in women’s sports to improve maternity and parental support.
Currently, the WTA reports that 25 mothers are actively playing on the tour. Notably, Belinda Bencic, an Olympic gold medalist, recently won a title after returning from maternity leave. Other notable athletes like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Victoria Azarenka have also successfully returned to competition after having children.
Azarenka, a member of the WTA Players’ Council, believes these benefits will empower athletes, especially those ranked lower or earning less, to take necessary time off without the stress of losing income. “This support allows players to decide when to start families,” Archer explained.
Azarenka mentioned that this change might encourage some players to consider parenthood before retiring. She stated, “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. This opportunity could change the sports narrative and spark a broader global conversation.” Her own experiences as a mother shape her views on these changes and their potential impact.
In recent years, the WTA has made strides in other areas as well, including increasing women’s coaching representation, enhancing player safety, combating cyberbullying, and striving for equal pay in prize money.
The Public Investment Fund became the WTA’s global partner last year, despite facing criticism over issues related to human rights in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom now hosts major events like the WTA Finals. Archer noted that this partnership is crucial for funding the new maternity benefits.
In other sports, organizations have also made progress regarding maternity leave. For example, the LPGA introduced a policy allowing players to keep their status upon returning. In soccer, NWSL players receive full salaries while pregnant. The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement guarantees full pay during maternity leave. Azarenka pointed out that this initiative is just the beginning for tennis, expressing hopes for future enhancements to the fund.
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Compensation in sports, Tennis, Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters, Belinda Bencic, Naomi Osaka, General news, Womens sports, Womens tennis, Sports, Portia Archer, World news, Caroline Wozniacki, Martina Navratilova, Victoria Azarenka, World News
