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2mo ago

WTA Introduces Groundbreaking Paid Maternity Leave for Female Tennis Players

The initiative, funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, provides 12 months of paid leave and fertility treatment grants for over 320 players.

Azarenka playing tennis with her son Leo during a practice session ahead of the 2022 Australian Open.
Belarus' Victoria Azarenka celebrates winning her women's singles quarter-final match against Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 5, 2024. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE-- (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
Kim Clijsters remains the last returning mom to win a grand slam singles title: the 2011 Australian Open.
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Overview

  • The WTA announced a historic maternity benefits program offering 12 months of paid leave for players who give birth and two months for those adopting or using surrogacy.
  • The program also includes grants for fertility treatments, such as egg freezing and IVF, marking a first for self-employed athletes in women's sports.
  • The benefits apply to over 320 players retroactively from January 1, 2025, with eligibility based on participation in a specific number of WTA tournaments.
  • Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) fully finances the program, raising concerns about potential sportswashing due to the country's human rights record.
  • Prominent tennis figures, including Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, highlight the importance of the initiative, while some call for its expansion to further support athletes balancing motherhood and careers.