WTA introduces 12-month paid maternity leave for players
In a historic move for women’s sports, the WTA offers up to 12 months of paid maternity leave, empowering athletes to balance professional tennis careers and family life.
In a landmark move for women’s tennis, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has unveiled the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program, offering up to 12 months of paid maternity leave to eligible players. This initiative, supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), also provides grants for fertility treatments and two months of paid leave for other forms of parenthood, such as adoption or partner pregnancy.
More than 320 players are eligible for these benefits, marking the first time comprehensive maternity support is available to self-employed athletes in professional tennis. WTA CEO Portia Archer emphasized the program’s role in balancing the demands of a tennis career with family life, stating, “It can be challenging to balance the physical and emotional demands of a professional tennis career with the complexities of motherhood and family life.”
Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion and WTA Players’ Council representative, expressed pride in the player-driven initiative, highlighting its potential to influence women’s sports globally. She remarked, “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.”
This program sets a new standard in women’s sports, reflecting a broader trend towards addressing maternity and parental needs in professional athletics. The WTA’s partnership with PIF aims to inspire more women and girls worldwide to engage with tennis, ensuring that athletes are not forced to choose between peak performance and family planning.
Inside the Baseline…
This is a long-overdue step in the right direction, but it shouldn’t have taken this long. Female athletes have spent years forced to choose between their careers and motherhood, with little support from the sport that profits off their success. While this program is a win, it’s also a reminder of how far behind tennis, and sports in general, have been in acknowledging the realities of women’s lives. The best part is players no longer have to fear that starting a family means the end of their careers. However, it took until 2025 to get here.
READ NEXT: “I will come after you”: Arthur Bouquier receives death threat
Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB
Social >> Facebook, Twitter & YouTube
Read >> World’s best tennis magazine
Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner
