The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has introduced a pioneering maternity leave program, allowing pregnant players to access 12 months of paid leave. Additionally, players who become parents via partner pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption are eligible for two months of paid leave. This initiative, supported by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, marks a significant step in providing parental benefits for independent athletes—an area typically lacking such provisions, according to WTA CEO Portia Archer.
Currently, over 300 players can take advantage of this fund, which is offered retroactively from January 1, although financial details have not been disclosed. The WTA claims this is the first comprehensive maternity benefits programme for independent athletes in women’s sports history, which also includes grants for fertility treatments such as egg freezing and IVF.
This development reflects a broader trend in women’s sports, showcasing a commitment to address the unique challenges faced by female athletes regarding maternity and parental support. As of now, there are 25 mothers actively competing on the tour, with Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic recently returning to win a title after maternity leave.
Notable players like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, along with other former champions, have successfully returned to competition after giving birth. Victoria Azarenka, a member of the WTA Players’ Council, highlighted that these new benefits will empower lower-ranked players, allowing them to take necessary time off without the fear of losing income or tournament slots.
The initiative strives to provide financial resources and flexibility for players to make informed choices about starting their families, potentially encouraging some to consider motherhood before stepping away from their careers. Azarenka expressed strong support for the program, calling it a transformative opportunity for women in sports, which could instigate wider societal discussions about parental rights.
Moreover, the WTA has been active in advancing other initiatives to support players, including promoting women in coaching roles, safeguarding players, addressing cyberbullying, and striving for equal prize money in the sport.
The involvement of the Public Investment Fund as a global partner has faced criticism concerning human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights. Despite this, the kingdom has taken bold steps by hosting high-profile tennis events, such as the season-ending WTA Finals and an ATP tournament for emerging male talents.
Overall, this maternity benefit marks a remarkable milestone in sports, with the WTA leading the charge in establishing supportive measures for women athletes balancing the demands of competition and motherhood.