A Groundbreaking Maternity Leave Policy for Women’s Tennis
In a historic move, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has introduced a groundbreaking maternity leave policy for its athletes. Under this new program, pregnant players on the women’s tennis tour will now be eligible for 12 months of paid maternity leave. Additionally, players who become parents through surrogacy, adoption, or whose partners are pregnant will receive two months of paid leave. This initiative, sponsored by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, marks a significant step forward in supporting athletes who balance their careers with parenthood. The policy is retroactive to January 1 and is available to more than 300 eligible players, though the exact amount of funding allocated remains undisclosed.
WTA CEO Portia Archer emphasized the novelty of this program, stating that independent contractors and self-employed individuals, such as professional tennis players, typically do not have access to such comprehensive maternity benefits. The program also includes grants for fertility treatments, such as egg freezing and in vitro fertilization (IVF), further solidifying its commitment to supporting athletes in their personal and professional lives. This initiative is part of a broader trend in women’s sports, where there is a growing emphasis on meeting the needs of athletes who are mothers or aspiring to become mothers.
The Rise of Motherhood in Women’s Tennis
The WTA has noted that 25 active players on the tour are currently mothers, a number that has been increasing in recent years. Notable players like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Kim Clijsters, and Victoria Azarenka have successfully returned to professional tennis after starting families. One such example is Belinda Bencic, a Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, who won a title just months after returning from maternity leave in October. This growing trend reflects a shift in the sport, where motherhood is no longer seen as a barrier to achieving success on the court.
Victoria Azarenka, a member of the WTA Players’ Council and a key advocate for this initiative, believes that the new program will empower lower-ranked or lower-earning athletes to take the time they need after becoming parents without financial stress. Archer added that the program aims to provide these athletes with the financial resources and flexibility to decide when and how to start their families, regardless of their ranking. Azarenka has also suggested that this policy could encourage some players to consider parenthood earlier in their careers, rather than waiting until retirement.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Women’s Tennis
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has become a significant partner for the WTA, playing a crucial role in funding this maternity leave program. The PIF, which became the WTA’s global partner last year, has faced criticism over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly regarding women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. However, the partnership has also brought about opportunities for the sport, including hosting high-profile events like the WTA Finals and an ATP event for rising male stars. Archer acknowledged that without the PIF’s support, the WTA would not have been able to implement this groundbreaking policy.
Maternity Policies in Other Sports
The WTA’s new policy sets a precedent in women’s sports, but it is part of a larger movement across different sports to better support athletes who are parents. In golf, for example, the LPGA introduced a maternity leave policy in 2019 that allows athletes to retain their playing status upon returning to competition. In soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the U.S. women’s national team offer pregnancy and parental leave through their collective bargaining agreements, with the NWSL paying full base salaries during pregnancy. Similarly, the WNBA guarantees full pay during maternity leave under its collective bargaining agreement.
The Future of Maternity Support in Tennis
While the WTA’s new program is a monumental step forward, Azarenka believes it is just the beginning. She envisions the possibility of expanding the fund to provide even greater support for athletes in the future. The implementation of this policy not only changes the landscape of women’s tennis but also contributes to a broader global conversation about supporting working mothers. As women’s sports continue to gain momentum, initiatives like the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program are essential in creating a more equitable and supportive environment for athletes who are also parents. This policy reflects a growing recognition of the importance of balancing professional and personal life, setting a new standard for other sports to follow.
