The WTA announced this week an innovative measure that will allow tennis players who decide to suspend their careers to freeze eggs or embryos to benefit from a protected ranking when they return to competition. This initiative seeks to support athletes in their decision to prioritize fertility treatments without compromising their sporting careers.
Players ranked between 1 and 750 in singles or doubles will be eligible for this measure if they remain out of competition for at least 10 consecutive weeks due to a fertility protection procedure, according to a statement from the WTA.
Statements of support for the new measure
Sloane Stephens, winner of the 2017 US Open, expressed her satisfaction with this initiative: “I am incredibly proud that our sport recognizes the importance of fertility treatments for female athletes. This is a true innovation that will allow this generation and future generations to continue practicing the sport they love without having to give anything up.”
Portia Archer, CEO of the WTA, also highlighted the positive impact of this measure: “Tennis players can face the dilemma of focusing on their careers and starting a family. We are pleased that this new measure will help our athletes reach their full potential and become mothers when they wish to do so.”
How the protected ranking works
The protected ranking system allows players to retain their previous ranking during a transition period after a long absence. In this case, the protected ranking will be calculated based on the average of the twelve weeks prior to the player’s break.
This ranking may be applied upon the athlete’s return for a maximum of three tournaments, whether they are 125, 250, or 500 category tournaments. It should be noted that this system was already available to pregnant players and is now being expanded to include those who opt for fertility treatments.
With this measure, the WTA reinforces its commitment to the well-being of tennis players, allowing them to balance their sporting careers with personal decisions related to motherhood and fertility. Without a doubt, this advance marks a milestone in women’s sport.
