Overview

• The new rule allows players to take time off for fertility procedures such as egg or embryo freezing and return to competition with a protected ranking.
• Eligible players will receive a Special Entry Ranking based on their 12-week average WTA ranking from eight weeks before their leave and can use it to enter up to three tournaments.
• The policy follows the WTA’s March 2025 introduction of up to 12 months of paid maternity leave for the first time.
• Players can also access grants for fertility preservation through the WTA Maternity Fund sponsored by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
• 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens described the change as “ground-breaking” for recognizing the importance of fertility treatments for female athletes.