The Women’s Tennis Association has launched a 12-month paid maternity leave for female players and players who become parents via partner pregnancy, surrogacy or adoption will get two months off with pay.
The WTA released a statement saying, “WTA is now offering paid maternity leave. This is the first time in women’s sports history that comprehensive maternity benefits are available to independent, self-employed athletes. The payment fund is sponsored by the PIF of Saudi Arabia. WTA players can receive up to 12 months of paid maternity leave.”
Around 320 players will be allowed the same undisclosed amount, regardless of their world ranking with the policy funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public investment fund. Previously players were not given many typical maternity leave benefits because they were independent contractors and not employed by the WTA.
Former world number one Victoria Azarenka who is a mother to an eight-year-old boy and part of the WTA players’ council said, “I’m honoured to introduce this programme, driven by players, and made possible with the support of PIF and the WTA.
“This marks the beginning of a meaningful shift in how we support women in tennis, making it easier for athletes to pursue both their careers and their aspirations of starting a family.
“Ensuring that programmes like this exist has been a personal mission of mine, and I’m excited to see the lasting impact it will have for generations to come.”
Azarenka, Belinda Bencic and Petra Kvitova are part of the recent players who returned to tennis after having children. They are among 50 players to have benefited from a special ranking protecting their previous level, which was introduced in 2019 and used for up to three years after birth.
