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WTA Introduces Protected Ranking Rule for Fertility Treatments

The change follows paid maternity leave reforms by calculating return rankings from a 12-week pre-absence average

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The WTA has introduced a new measure to protect the ranking of players who freeze their eggs or embryos

Overview

  • Players ranked inside the top 750 in singles or doubles who step away for at least 10 consecutive weeks for egg or embryo freezing qualify for the protection rule.
  • The Special Entry Ranking is based on the player’s 12-week average ranking from eight weeks before their absence and can be used to enter up to three tournaments outside Premier 1000 events.
  • The fertility protection rule expands the WTA’s family support package introduced in March, which includes up to 12 months of paid maternity leave and grants for fertility treatments.
  • Sloane Stephens, a two-time egg-freezing participant and 2017 US Open champion, led calls for the rule and praised its impact in reducing pressure to return prematurely.
  • WTA CEO Portia Archer said the policy underscores the association’s commitment to helping players balance professional ambitions with starting a family.