Players who freeze eggs to retain rankings under new WTA rule

Sloane Stephens (Pic: AFP)

In a significant step toward supporting women athletes in their personal and professional journeys, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has announced a new rule to protect the rankings of players who take time off for fertility-related treatments. This includes procedures like egg or embryo freezing, which are increasingly being considered by female athletes seeking to balance the demands of sport and family planning.

Under the new policy, players ranked within the top 750 in either singles or doubles will be eligible to preserve a special entry ranking if they are absent from competition for at least 10 consecutive weeks due to a 'fertility protection procedure'. While this protected ranking can be used to gain entry into up to three tournaments, it notably excludes the premier-level WTA 1000 events. The special ranking will be calculated based on the player's 12-week average WTA ranking, taken from eight weeks before their time away from the sport.

The move has been applauded by several current and former players, including 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens, who shared her personal experience with fertility preservation. Stephens revealed that she has twice opted to freeze her eggs during the tennis off-season and welcomed the WTA's progressive stance on the issue. "For any woman, the conversation of family life versus a career is nuanced and complex," said Stephens. "I'm incredibly proud of our sport in recognising the importance of fertility treatments for female athletes. The WTA has now created a safe space for players to explore options and to make the best decisions for themselves."

The WTA, in its official statement, said the new 'Fertility Protection Special Entry Ranking Rule' is designed to complement existing maternity and family-focused benefits. The initiative marks another stride toward creating a more supportive ecosystem for female players navigating the intersection of career and personal life.

Portia Archer, CEO of the WTA, emphasized the association's ongoing commitment to empowering players. "We understand that professional athletes can face a dilemma between focusing on their career and starting a family, and we are committed to supporting WTA players as they navigate and balance the choices associated with career and family," she said.

In March the WTA and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the introduction of a maternity fund programme, giving players paid maternity leave for up to 12 months and access to grants for fertility treatments. The PIF is a global partner of the WTA Tour.

(With AFP inputs)