SportsOrbit

Tennis players who take time off to undergo fertility protection procedures, such as egg or embryo freezing, will be eligible for a protected ranking under new guidelines published by the Women’s Tennis Association. Players rated in the top 750 on the WTA who undertake fertility operations will be eligible for a Special Entry Ranking (SER), which allows them to enter up to three tournaments. The SER will be determined based on their average ranking during a 12-week period before and during their absence, and it is valid for up to 500 WTA events. A growing number of athletes are choosing to take time away from the game to give birth or actively plan their kids during their careers. Over the last few years, at the request of the players, the WTA has taken major steps to resolve these difficulties, allowing players to plan their families while competing at the top level. Earlier this year, the organization stated that athletes will receive paid maternity leave. Those who leave the tour to give birth can use their former ranking to enter 12 tournaments during a three-year period following the birth of their child. Sloane Stephens, the US Open winner in 2017, has frozen her eggs twice over the brief tennis off-season. “During my first retrieval cycle, I ended up gaining around 20lbs due to hormones and taking a break from training that, going forward, I would be more aware of and plan differently for my next cycle this off-season,” the American told Essence in 2008. “It is also critical to rest and avoid over-exertion, which increases the chance of developing ovarian torsion or other issues, so I had to carefully organize my training blocks and off-season to make it all happen. As a result, I am very passionate about introducing protected rankings for players undergoing reproductive treatments, so that they may feel supported in making decisions for themselves and appropriately caring for their bodies without having to rush back for fear of losing ranking points or career opportunities.” Stephens praised the WTA’s new regulation, saying, “I’m incredibly proud of our sport for recognising the importance of fertility treatments for female athletes.” For any woman, the discussion of family life vs profession is subtle and difficult. The WTA has now provided a safe environment in which players may explore choices and make the best decisions for themselves. It’s genuinely groundbreaking, allowing this generation and future generations of athletes to continue playing the sport they love without having to sacrifice.”